The Minister of Education in St. Kitts & Nevis, Nigel Carty, has recently outlined that the main thrust behind the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) implementation, is to prepare graduates to improve the appropriate skills that will help to get them ready, to meet the needs of employers and get satisfaction from their work.

Minister Carty said in a recent interview, that the completion of an assessment by officials from the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), to evaluate the readiness of two high schools in the Federation, (Cayon High School and Verchilds’ High School), to achieve and administer the (CVQ) Standard, was of paramount importance to build the individual’s capacity to fill employment gaps in the working world.

Mr. Carty added, “The Ministry of Education is eagerly anticipating recommendations of a report, set to arrive soon from the CXC, which will help to make high school and college graduates more marketable, both nationally and regionally.”

He went on to say that, its implementation in high schools around the Federation, would also prepare graduates to move around the region freely, as they will possess the certification necessary to support their skill level.

Minister Carty commended the Cayon and Verchild’s High School for taking a leading role in the Federation and in the region, as two of the institutions at the forefront of the implementation of the CVQ.

He also revealed the intention to focus on the hospitality division of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College initially, followed closely by the technical and vocational components of the college. A concentration on the human and material requirements, with a view to improving quality and access to these programs, is the immediate objective.

“Our goal is to empower people to find work and create work for themselves,” said the Minister.

The evaluation was completed at the end of November and the report is expected mid December 12, 2011.