Basseterre, St. Kitts, Friday, August 08, 2026: The Ministry of Education marked the successful conclusion of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Enhancement Project during a closed-out meeting held on Thursday, August 6.
The project, which commenced in 2016 and reached its final implementation milestone in December 2025, was funded through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The initiative sought to modernize the country’s TVET infrastructure, enhance the quality of technical education, and expand opportunities for certification and workforce development.
Speaking during the meeting, facilitator Dr. Martin Baptiste, Section Chief, Social Sector Division, CDB, highlighted the project’s long-term vision of developing a highly skilled and internationally competitive workforce.
“This project, which was designed, was intended to ensure that there is an expanded supply of skilled and employable labour in St. Kitts and Nevis with regional and national certification that is recognized. We felt that it was key that, if we were going to train nationals in St. Kitts and Nevis and across the region, the outcome and experience must be certification that is not only valid and valued in the local market but certainly within the context of free movement. If, perchance, any of the graduates would have the opportunity to extend their services elsewhere, that certificate has pay degree.”
Dr. Baptiste noted that creating internationally recognized qualifications was fundamental to preparing citizens to compete successfully in both regional and international labour markets.
Dr. Kertney Thompson, CEO, TVET Secretariat, reflected on the significant impact the initiative has had on the nation’s TVET landscape.
“This project has really moved St. Kitts and Nevis TVET into a different landscape from where it was, to the point now where we can offer NVQs. The project was made possible through the collaboration of St. Kitts and Nevis through a loan that was procured from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in the amount of US$8 million and a grant component of US$300,000,
which really assisted in helping us to move our TVET system to where it is now. We are able to provide a competent pool of skilled professionals in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Among the project’s major achievements were the construction of a new TVET facility at the Christopher Wilkin Institute of Technology (CWIT) and a new technical wing at Gingerland Secondary School. Additionally, technical laboratories in secondary schools throughout St. Kitts and Nevis were refurbished and equipped with modern tools and equipment to enhance practical instruction and student learning.
The project also made substantial investments in human resource development. A total of 82 teachers, deputy principals, and principals completed professional certifications and academic programmes ranging from certification courses to master’s degrees. Training was also provided for assessors and verifiers across both islands, strengthening the national capacity to deliver and maintain quality TVET programmes.
The successful completion of the TVET Enhancement Project represents a major milestone in the Government’s ongoing commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting national development and meeting the evolving demands of the regional and global economy. Through improved infrastructure, enhanced teacher qualifications, and internationally recognized certification pathways, the project has laid a strong foundation for the continued growth and sustainability of technical and vocational education in St. Kitts and Nevis.
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