In a significant move to address youth disconnection in Trinidad and Tobago, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training Prakash Persad unveiled a new initiative focused on improving educational and employment opportunities for young men. Speaking at the launch event at the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP) headquarters in Chaguanas, Persad highlighted the growing issue of young males facing challenges in education, employment, and training.
The initiative, known as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Industry Connection Labs and Incentive Programme, aims to provide pathways for youth through apprenticeships, entrepreneurship programs, and digital learning platforms. “Too many young males are in distress, disconnected from the opportunities for advancement,” Persad noted, underscoring the urgency of this social challenge.
The program is a collaborative effort involving several regional and international partners, such as the Caricom Secretariat, the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies, Brazil’s ABC and SENAI agencies, the European Union, and German technical partners. Trinidad and Tobago has been chosen as a pilot location, aiming to modernize TVET systems and strengthen links between employers, communities, and training institutions.
Minister Persad emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader agenda under Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to foster human capital development. The focus on entrepreneurship and skills training is intended not only to equip young men with job-seeking skills but also to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures. This approach aims to create a more inclusive workforce that encompasses those traditionally left behind.
By expanding micro-credential programs, the initiative seeks to facilitate entry into training and employment for individuals lacking formal qualifications. Persad affirmed, “We don’t want to lower the bar; we want to raise people up to reach the bar,” highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
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