Project Budget: $9,562,983.58 ECD
Objectives
This project aims to contribute to the economic and social development of Antigua and Barbuda, by promoting the conditions for economic diversification, and improving, competitiveness, productivity, investment, and employment.
Purpose
To improve capacity in technical and vocational training in conformity with the market and social demand, through the enhancement of relevance, access, equity, quality, and efficiency.
This project will be executed over a 21-month period commencing 11th September 2006 to 10 June 2008.
Implementation
An assessment of the management capabilities of the ABICE and the NTA determined that both institutions are in need of advanced training in management practices. This resulted in the preparation of a tender dossier that is aimed at procuring the services of an established and reputable training institution for delivery by distance learning, of a one-year post-graduate programme in management or business administration.
A draft legislation for the ABNTA will be taken to Parliament in the coming months.
Establishment of a National Training Agency
A Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to head the Antigua and Barbuda National Training Agency (ABNTA) and serve as a counterpart to the consultants who are charged with project coordination. During the period of review, the consultants worked in concert with stakeholders to advance preparatory work aimed at making the ABNTA functional and enhancing the interest of stakeholders in Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) as a whole. The major accomplishments were:
- Completion of a Labour Market survey in the construction industry
- Completion of four workshops on the occupational industry.
- Preparation and circulation of a draft strategic plan for making the ABNA a functional entity.
- Improved awareness among stakeholders of the role of the ABNTA and how it may be made effective within the existing constraints
- Preparation of an initial draft of Occupational Standards for the construction industry.
