Minister of Tertiary Education Professor Prakash Persad is calling for a cultural shift towards skills training.
He made the statement at the CARICOM–Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Regional Consultation on the Development of a Micro-Credential Sub-Framework.
CARICOM is moving to develop a regional framework for micro-credentials aimed at modernising education across the Caribbean.
“All jobs are important, and therefore we should that cultural change,” he said.
“Part of making micro-credentials important and acceptable, and with special regard to skills training, we need to know and put the education out there, that it is important. It is just as important.”
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development, Ms Alison Drayton expressed appreciation to the Commonwealth of Learning for its partnership and to the Technical Working Group, for its expertise and collaborative spirit in preparing the draft framework.
“Micro-credentials offer us a pathway to rethink how learning is designed, delivered, recognised, and valued. For a Region such as ours, this is not simply an innovation; it is a necessity,” Ms Drayton stated.
Micro-credentials are short, focused, and competency-based certifications that validate specific skills and knowledge.
They offer flexible, cost-effective alternatives to traditional degrees, allowing learners to rapidly gain, demonstrate, and “stack” targeted competencies required by the modern workforce.
