The Ministry of Education is presently reforming and upgrading the provisions for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with the assistance of the European Union (EU), through the STAVEP Project (Strengthening Technical and Vocational Education Project), aimed at developing the human resource capital of the country.

Two critical objectives of the initiative are, the introduction of new modular Competence-based Education and Training (CBET) curricula in three (3) pilot institutions, which will lead to the award of the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ's) Level 1 certified by CXC (Caribbean Examination Council).

It is envisaged that this new curricula will eventually be pursued in most public schools at levels 1 & 2, and at the Antigua State College, at the higher levels (Level 3 and 4), and the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda National Training Agency (ABNTA) as the national accreditation and qualifications awarding body in accord with regional protocols, responsible for the qualifications framework, quality assurance mechanisms, skills development, modern apprenticeships and links with industry and commerce.

To ensure that the process is in keeping with regional requirements, and to give officers responsible for TVET upgrade and management exposure, three officials; CEO of the ABNTA Vier Dublin, Acting Director of ABICE Joseph Gilbert and Assistant Director of TVET Glenford Knight were involved in a study tour at the HEART Trust/NTA of Jamaica.

The study tour include the examination of teaching/learning methodologies, curriculum management, assessment procedures, quality assurance mechanisms and student support, guidance and customer care.

Other areas that were covered included the role of HEART Trust/NTA and how it manages the process in particular its relationships with schools, institutions of further and higher education and industry and commerce, the delivery of competence-based vocational education and training in secondary schools that leads to CVQ awards to include timetabling issues, student- centered learning techniques and individual learning plans and accessment programmes.

The assessment procedures utlised by schools including evidence retention, recording and record keeping systems, student appeal processes, quality assurance mechanisms of the organization and schools, staff development and appraisal policies and student support and career guidance mechanisms were also some of the other areas covered.