The Education Ministry launch of the Guyana National TVET Policy 2025-2035 marks a defining moment in the country’s course toward a more skilled, competent, and future-ready workforce. This 10-year framework is aimed at modernizing the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) landscape to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand has articulated the rationale behind this policy, emphasizing its role as a guiding document for all stakeholders involved in skills training. The absence of a unified framework for TVET in Guyana has long posed a challenge, leaving various ministries and institutions to operate in silos. By integrating the efforts of the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Human Services, alongside the University of Guyana, Cyril Potter College of Education, and other relevant bodies, the policy ensures a coordinated and comprehensive approach to technical education. This unified vision is essential in fostering a workforce that is both locally relevant and globally competitive.
The necessity of this policy cannot be overstated. Guyana is experiencing an economic transformation, particularly with the advent of its burgeoning oil and gas sector and other industrial expansions. However, a persistent challenge remains: a shortage of skilled professionals. Minister Manickchand highlighted the government’s ongoing struggle to find qualified engineers, technicians, and apprentices to maintain critical infrastructure, including schools. The stark reality is that the country may have to import labor if immediate and strategic steps are not taken to cultivate homegrown expertise. This policy, therefore, arrives at a critical juncture, serving as a blueprint for producing a competent workforce that meets national and regional demands.
A key strength of the TVET policy is its alignment with the CANTA Quality Assurance Framework, enhancing the mobility and certification recognition of TVET graduates beyond Guyana’s borders. By ensuring that training meets international standards, the government is not only preparing youth for domestic employment but also positioning them for opportunities across the Caribbean and beyond. This strategic foresight is crucial in a globalized world where workforce mobility is an asset.
One of the critical weaknesses of Guyana’s current TVET system is the lack of a single coordinating agency to oversee technical education. This has resulted in fragmented implementation and varying governance structures across ministries and agencies. The new policy seeks to rectify this by promoting a cohesive structure that will streamline efforts and eliminate inefficiencies. Additionally, the establishment of a TVET levy in consultation with the private sector represents a forward-thinking approach to funding technical education. By involving businesses in shaping TVET curricula and investing in training, the policy fosters a symbiotic relationship between industry and education.
It is important to recognize that this policy is not being implemented in a vacuum. Its foundation is built upon legislative frameworks established through the passage of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act (Act No. 11 of 2004) and the National Accreditation Act (Act No. 12 of 2004). These acts paved the way for the formation of the Council for TVET (CTVET), which has played a pivotal role in advancing technical education. The new policy enhances these efforts by ensuring a more structured, strategic, and responsive TVET ecosystem.
As Guyana embarks on this decade-long journey, the success of the National TVET Policy 2025-2035 will depend on effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and adaptability to changing economic conditions. Stakeholders—including government agencies, educators, businesses, and civil society—must collaborate to ensure that this policy does not remain a mere document but translates into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
The future of Guyana’s workforce depends on the actions taken today. By investing in technical and vocational education, the nation is not only addressing immediate labor shortages but also equipping its youth with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. This policy is a step in the right direction, signaling a commitment to sustainable growth, economic resilience, and national progress. It is now up to all stakeholders to embrace this vision and work collectively to transform Guyana into a hub of technical excellence and innovation.
