In an effort to offer the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) in the British Virgin Islands, the Ministry of Education and Culture is continuing to facilitate CVQ training.

CVQ, a competency based certification, is geared towards students in the technical and vocational areas. Over the past two months, teachers and professionals received training to be certified CVQ Facility Auditors, Assessors and Verifiers. 

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said, “We want to provide the best educational environment for the Territory’s students. This can only be possible with our renewed focus on the training of our educators, the architects of our education system, and our society.”

In his 2016-2017 school year address, Honourable Walwyn stated: “We are also preparing the [Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies] to offer the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications to ensure that our technical students have various pathways to qualify themselves for further education and or join the world of work.”

He further stated, “With the shift in the world's economy in seeking more competence based professionals, it is necessary to ensure that our students are competitive beyond the shores of the Virgin Islands.  It is through their knowledge and skills that we as a Territory will find new industries, chart new courses for our development and remain competitive in our global economy.” 

Acting Chief Education Officer Mrs. Connie George said, “The Caribbean Vocational Qualifications courses are the region’s standards and recognised internationally. With the recent training, the Virgin Islands is one step closer to offering CVQ courses.”

Seven persons received Facility Auditor training, 23 received Assessor training and nine received Verifier training.

Certified Facility Auditors inspect and assess facilities to ensure they are on par with industry recognised standards.

Assessors grade or assess students’ work, while verifiers evaluate or validate the assessments. They are responsible for quality assurance.

CVQ trainers from the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education & Training based in Jamaica were in the Virgin Islands to conduct the CVQ training in August and September.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to creating a “Culture of Excellence”.