96 teachers now CVQ certified

Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, 21:43 by Writer

The Ministry of Education says 96 teachers are now equipped with practical competencies and recognised occupational qualifications to enhance the delivery of technical and vocational education across Guyana.

The ministry says this, being done by the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), continues to strengthen technical and vocational education and training (TVET) through its Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programme.

Minister of Education Sonia Parag, in her remarks, emphasised the growing importance of technical and vocational skills in preparing Guyanese for emerging opportunities, while challenging the perception that TVET is inferior to traditional academic education.

“Technical and vocational education is not a lesser pathway. It is essential to preparing our people for the opportunities ahead and building a skilled workforce that can contribute to Guyana’s continued development,” Minister Parag said.

She encouraged the teachers to take pride in their achievement and use their competencies to share knowledge, inspire students and strengthen technical and vocational education in their respective institutions.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Education Officer – Technical, Dr Ritesh Tularam, described the occasion as a celebration of commitment, professional growth, lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence in technical and vocational education.

“The achievement of a CVQ represents a commitment to nationally and regionally recognised occupational standards. It demonstrates that an individual has acquired and can apply the practical skills, knowledge, and competencies required to perform effectively in a particular occupational area,” Dr Tularam said.

He further underscored the importance of continuous professional development in strengthening teachers’ capacity to deliver competency-based training and assessment, encouraging the recipients to apply their newly acquired skills in the classroom and mentor their colleagues.

The CVQ programme became a mandatory component of the CPCE curriculum in 2023 for students pursuing specialisations in agricultural science, industrial technology, home economics and visual arts.

In that year, 121 TVET students across the college’s seven coastal centres were introduced to the programme.

As part of the requirements for institutional certification, the CPCE also invested in building its staff capacity to deliver and assess the programme.

In April 2023, 14 full-time and part-time lecturers from various centres participated in competency-based education and training (CBET).

Initially, the college offered seven occupational areas, with students registered through partner post-secondary institutions: Linden Technical Institute (LTI), Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), Beterverwagting Practical Instruction Centre (BV PIC), Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre (MTVTC) and Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre.

In November 2024, the CPCE began the process of becoming a registered CVQ institution and obtained registration in June 2025.

This milestone now allows the college to register its students directly for CVQ certification, strengthening its capacity to manage and deliver the programme.

Through the continued expansion of the CVQ programme, the CPCE is contributing to the development of a more skilled teaching workforce and strengthening the delivery of practical, competency-based education.