Students of the skills training programme being briefed by Deputy Secretary (ag.) in the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ms. Tasha Bertie. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

In fact, more than 40 students signed up at yesterday’s orientation at the Centre for Applied Marine Studies at Paraquita Bay where Minister for Education and Culture Andrew Fahie encouraged the students to be positive about completing the course and taking advantage of the opportunity to learn a decent skill for their development and employment.

Hon. Andrew Fahie addresses the students at the orientation for the Tec/Voc programme. Also in picture is Programme Counselor, Pastor Wayne Hoyte. Photo: Reuben Stoby/VINO

Hon. Fahie also said he was pleased to see a large amount of males showing interest in the programme. “You know at times they have those that make you feel that if you are not wearing a tie and long sleeve that you are no worth. Now lately they realised that they made a mistake by getting us into that philosophy because before when you told them you wanted to be a plumber or an electrician everyone was looking down on those things…and we did ourselves as a country a disservice. Now we realise that those are the jobs bringing the money and we are not the ones doing them because we ignored them for quite a while.”

Minister Fahie also stated that Government remained committed to education and demonstrated that with increasing monies for the programme rather than a budget cut.

“It is just under $200,000 we spending to keep this class running. When we were talking about budget cuts there were two programmes that I stood up and fought for because when you fight to give a man his freedom through education it is cheaper for you in the long run…so we increased the funding for the two programmes rather than reducing them,” Minister Fahie stated.

Meanwhile, the classes will begin on Monday October 3, 2011 at the HLSCC.

The Technical/Vocational Programme was launched on September 11, 2006 with an initial enrolment of 43 students in four main skill areas – Small Engine Repairs, House Wiring, Woodworking, and Plumbing. In 2007, the Programme offerings were expanded to include Computer Technology Skills/Office Support Skills and Hotel and Restaurant Training/Basic Culinary Arts. Subsequently, in 2009, Air Condition/Refrigeration was added.

In addition, students are attached to a firm/business full-time for at least a month for on the job experience.

The Programme is managed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, however, the classes are administered by the Workforce Training Division of HLSCC.

Students register for the skills training programme. Photo: VINO