About Us
The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Unit is a specialized department in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training in Saint Lucia. It is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the enhancement of technical skills within the school education system.
The principal goal of this Unit is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to either join the workforce after graduation or to further their education or training in a specific field. This involves extensive planning, development, and implementation of a curriculum that is designed to foster these competencies.
To achieve this, the Unit has taken charge of supervising a variety of subject areas. It oversees fourteen technical, vocational, and business subjects within the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) curriculum. This provides a broad base of knowledge for students and prepares them for a variety of industries.
Moreover, the TVET Unit is also tasked with implementing two significant qualifications in schools – the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). These qualifications are industry-driven and are designed to ensure students have the practical skills required in the real world.
Ms. Delthia Naitram is the Education Officer for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) within the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia. She has been attached to the TVET Unit for about nine years, having previously worked as both a teacher and a teacher attached to the TVET unit.
Under her leadership, this initiative seeks to align educational programs with industry needs, providing students with the skills necessary for today’s job market and fostering entrepreneurship. The transformation includes upgrading school facilities, introducing an industry-led curriculum, and enhancing collaborations with local businesses to ensure students receive practical, hands-on training alongside their theoretical education.
I am deeply grateful for our dedicated staff. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our students.
Delthia Naitram — Education Officer for TVET
What Drives Us: Our Purpose and Principles
Vision
To create a highly motivated, self-sufficient, resourceful, dynamic, and competent workforce capable of functioning in an ever-changing social, economic, and technological environment, contributing to the development of St Lucia.
Mandate of the TVET Unit
The TVET Unit has several mandates, which include:
- Coordinating the acquisition, design, development, and implementation of the TVET curriculum and instructional materials for all students regardless of their ability, gender, and other factors.
- Providing instructional support to schools.
- Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the TVET curriculum.
- Advising on the instructional, staffing, equipment, and material needs of schools.
- Organizing training programs for TVET teachers to enhance their capacity to deliver the TVET curriculum effectively.
- Collaborating with TVET agencies such as the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), National Skills Development Centre (NSDC), Centre for Adolescent Renewal and Education (C.A.R.E), National Enrichment and Learning Unit (NELU), and private training providers to resolve issues related to the development and implementation of TVET.
- Developing and maintaining linkages with industries to influence the training and development of students and staff in schools.
- Maintaining linkages with regional and international TVET agencies such as the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA), CARICOM, UNESCO, International Labour Organization (ILO), and Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy—built on the principles of inclusivity, diversity, and opportunity—focuses on providing students with the tools and pathways to succeed in their chosen fields. By opening doors to practical skills, celebrating unique talents, and preparing students for meaningful careers, we aim to equip every learner with the confidence and abilities to shape their own futures. This approach helps build a skilled and capable workforce, while also inspiring students to pursue their ambitions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.