Assistant Registrar of Syllabus and Curriculum Development at CXC Ms. Elena Shakes, the main auditor, was full of praise for the Cayon and Washington Archibald High Schools which she said were outstanding in their conduct of the implementation of CVQ standards and requirements. She suggested that they become models for other institutions in the Federation as far as the implementation of the CVQ and referred to the Cayon High School specifically as worthy of emulation within the region.

 “The CVQ is any set of occupational standards defined for any jobs and which are articulated within the regional qualification framework,” explained Pro Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council, Mr. Glenroy Cumberbatch, “In other words, the education system will now become such that students are being trained with skills that will prepare them to do specific jobs that are readily available in the workplace. Youth unemployment is not always a matter of a lack of jobs; it’s usually a matter of a lack of persons with the skills to do the jobs.” He emphasized. 

Mr. Cumberbatch added, “Business people are often very pleased with the academic qualifications of graduating students when they see them on paper but this does not always translate well as actual skills required for the workplace. By the same token, it is a false assumption that persons are either skilled or academic. It is the brain that guides the hands and tells the hands what to do. A good foundation in both areas is the best mix for employment success.” 

Stressing that the process of implementation of CVQ standards in schools and other institutions of learning would be strenuous and require much commitment, the CXC official said he was certain, based on the impressive progress made by the ministry of Education and institutions of learning, that the Federation is well on its way to creating an “employment relevant” education system. 

It is the intention of the Ministry of Education that it will become a requirement for every student graduating school to leave with CVQ certification in their preferred field.