New Council for Labour and Education to align studies with market demands

GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) is taking steps to better align vocational and higher education opportunities with the real needs of the labor market. Minister Melissa Gumbs has announced the upcoming launch of a Council for Labour and Education, a critical initiative aimed at ensuring that government-funded study programs are relevant, targeted, and responsive to the island’s economic development.

Minister Gumbs outlined the Ministry’s intention to bring together stakeholders from the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, the Division of Study Financing, and representatives from key economic sectors to review current labor demands. These strategic discussions are set to begin during the summer months and will serve as a precursor to revising the national study financing priority list.

“The Ministry facilitates the introduction of new validated programs based on advice from the foundation responsible for vocational education delivery,” Minister Gumbs said. “Pending the finalization of the ministerial regulation to formally establish the council, we will proceed with sectoral consultations to gather concrete data on workforce needs.”

The results of these sessions are expected to shape a significant overhaul of the priority list used to determine study financing eligibility. This may include the removal of outdated programs, the introduction of quota limits, and the addition of new fields of study that reflect national economic goals.

“This is simply a reality that allows us to navigate within our limited study financing resources,” Minister Gumbs stated, emphasizing that the aim is to ensure public funds are invested in areas with the highest return for national development and employment sustainability.

The Ministry remains committed to expanding opportunities for young people through targeted investment in education and training, while simultaneously supporting the growth of a skilled, adaptable workforce.

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