St. Kitts and Nevis Seeks to Advance Education and Workforce Training through Digital Transformation and TVET
Basseterre, St. Kitts – During the 2025 Budget Address on Monday, December 16, 2024, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing education and workforce training through strategic investments in digital transformation and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew emphasized that enhancing TVET is central to achieving his administration’s vision of a sustainable island state with maximized employment opportunities. Through ongoing collaboration with the TVET Secretariat and Council, the government is positioning St. Kitts and Nevis as a regional leader in certified, skilled workforce development across emerging sectors.
Upgrades at Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC)
The 2025 Budget will facilitate significant upgrades at AVEC, including the integration of immersive simulators such as a welding simulator and painting simulator which utilize Virtual Reality (VR) technology to simulate real-world training experiences while promoting the efficient use of resources. This technology is designed to shorten the learning curve and enhance operators’ skills to dramatically increase productivity, decrease energy consumption by 50 percent, reduce waste of consumables, and wear on real equipment, and reduce accidents. In 2025, upgrades to AVEC will also include the outfitting of smart classrooms to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
Renewable Energy Training
The prime minister also highlighted advancements in renewable energy training. The partnership developed with Green Solutions International provides expanded opportunities for nationals to be trained and certified in these key areas. In fact, the CFBC, in collaboration with Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI), established the Caribbean Centre of Excellence in Research, Innovation, and Workforce Training in March of this year.
Conclusion
The government’s investments in education and workforce training are crucial to achieving a sustainable island state with maximized employment opportunities. By integrating digital transformation and TVET, St. Kitts and Nevis is positioned to become a regional leader in certified, skilled workforce development across emerging sectors.
FAQs
- What is the government’s commitment to education and workforce training?
The government is committed to advancing education and workforce training through strategic investments in digital transformation and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). - What are the upgrades planned for AVEC?
The 2025 Budget will facilitate significant upgrades at AVEC, including the integration of immersive simulators and the outfitting of smart classrooms to enhance the teaching and learning experience. - What is the focus of the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda?
The focus of the government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda is to support the transition to renewable energy, reduce the food import bill, and foster economic diversification through skills development in agriculture and the creative economy.
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