end, HEART Trust/NTA has instituted programmes to ensure that its trainees gain the right competencies to start or grow in their careers either as employees or entrepreneurs. The Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) is also a critical partner agency in assuring the achievement of a learning society. The JFLL has restructured, rebranded and repositioned itself to more effectively reach and serve its target audience of adult learners. MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Recognised locally and regionally as the leader in the vocational qualification framework and the advancement of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), HEART Trust/NTA is working with key stakeholders to raise awareness of TVET and assimilate applications-based training through the Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) methodology. The organisation has developed the Integrated Training System (ITS) which operates on a framework that includes all TVET training institutions in the country. ITS provides a three-tiered focus which includes the delivery of higher level programmes, industry-based training and business support through a unique incubator programme. In addition to the implementation of the innovative general education and skills training based Career Advancement Programme, (CAP) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the National Youth Service (NYS) and JFLL, the HEART Trust/NTA, through its 27 institutions offering community training and work-based training interventions has impacted hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans. In the financial year 2010/2011 alone, the National Training Agency enrolled 86,402 trainees and facilitated certification of 41,347 persons through full National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-Js) from the NCTVET, unit competencies and joint/other certifications. Since 2010, HEART Trust/NTA has refocused on training students to the mastery level of their chosen careers. As such, the organisation is phasing out the certification of unit competencies and shifting its focus to training leading to the certification in full NVQ-J from Levels I through IV. Revised Structure The HEART Trust/NTA has instituted a Research and Development Department in order to inform the market convergence and relevance of the programmes and address national needs. Of note is the Labour Market Forecast which provides a guide to careers that will be in demand in the year 2030. Through its recently developed Geographical Information System, the Trust is able to track key industries and sectors across the island, identify training needs and inform the effective allocation of its resources. The Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Unit was established to fuel the incubator programme which is designed to support budding entrepreneurs in starting their businesses. The Unit also works closely with Industry partners to facilitate access to legal, financing and other critical resources. In order to expand access to the TVET system for a wider cross section of Jamaicans, the HEART Trust/NTA implemented a Regionalised Programme through its National Programmes Division. The Trust will serve its clients from five regions across the island. This structure includes learning resource centres, TVET institutes and workforce colleges to provide training from NVQ-J Level I Page 60 of 132
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A BETTER WAY FORWARD