The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Montserrat Community College, has launched a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme aimed at strengthening the skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for students here.
Speaking at the launch, Premier, the Honourable Reuben Meade, described the initiative as critical to Montserrat’s development, highlighting the need to train a new generation of electricians, carpenters and other skilled professionals as the current workforce ages.
He pointed out that “our electricians, our carpenters, our masons, plumbers, and you can name it, they’re all getting older and we need to replace them. But we cannot wait until they have passed on to do it.”
Premier Meade also mentioned that “most of our electricians on island were trained by the Montserrat Technical College. Many of our clerical officers were trained at the Technical College, plumbers, masons, and the like. So, I’m very, very happy to see such a program commencing.”
Mr. Meade thanked Minister of Education Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, Permanent Secretary Beverly Mendes, and the FCDO, who saw the benefit of the initiative and provided ring-fenced money, which came “ with a lot of conditions and conditionality”
Meantime, Principal of MCC, Geraldine Cabey, said the initiative represents an important step in broadening educational and training opportunities, while helping to address the skills needs of the local economy.
The programme includes training in areas such as culinary arts, carpentry, garment manufacturing, air conditioning, electricity and electronics, building and construction, and plumbing.