ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda has launched a comprehensive awareness-raising campaign to promote the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Antigua and Barbuda National Training Agency (ABNTA), and the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE), and the authorities say it underscores the country’s commitment to promoting the significance of TVET as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, enabling a skilled workforce to contribute to the sustainable development of key industries across Antigua & Barbuda.
The awareness-raising campaign forms part of the project entitled “Enhanced Technical Vocational Training (TVET) Framework for Certification in Antigua and Barbuda,” which is being implemented by the Office of the National Authorising Officer (ONAO) within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Trade and Barbuda Affairs.
The two-year initiative provides Euro 257,535 (one Euro = 1.29 cents) in technical assistance to Antigua and Barbuda through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) Standby Facility.
The Standby Facility is a Euro 8.75 million resource managed by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). It offers opportunities to 15 Caribbean economies to grow trade, deepen integration and economic involvement, impact competitiveness, and enhance market access and exports by implementing targeted projects in thematic areas.
The project aims to reach and inspire diverse audiences to consider TVET as a pathway to rewarding careers, promote professional development, and contribute to a competitive workforce.
The Ministry of Education, ABNTA, and ABICE will engage with students, learners, educational institutions, and industry representatives to raise awareness of the TVET courses, qualifications, and training institutions across Antigua and Barbuda.
The launch of ABNTA’s new TVET website is at the heart of the campaign, a central hub designed to empower individuals with information and resources on TVET opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda.
The website will be made publicly available in the coming weeks. It will be a one-stop destination for exploring vocational pathways, accessing training programs, and learning about ABNTA’s commitment to promoting TVET initiatives.
“TVET serves as a powerful catalyst for economic development and social mobility. In an increasingly competitive global economy, nations like ours must leverage their human capital to drive innovation and productivity,” said Ileathea Cabral, ONAO Project Coordinator, adding, “We must recognize and embrace the invaluable role that TVET plays in shaping our societies and economies.”
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