Vocational education and training in small island states : challenges and prospects

Abstract

Human resources are often referred to as the most important asset for achieving economic growth and sustainability for small island states. Their economic future depends upon developing a workforce that is educated, skilled, flexible and adjustable. Vocational Education and Training (VET) can be seen as a means to achieve these objectives. However VET systems are dynamic in nature and face many challenges in responding to economic, technological and societal changes. The paper explores five case studies of small island states - Barbados, Cyprus, Malta, Mauritius and Singapore. It discusses their economic development, employment situation and national strategies. The study concentrates particularly on the institutional framework, skills and training identification mechanism; and strategies, policies and initiatives taken by these small island states in context of VET. Key challenges are also identified. The paper argues that VET's role will be most pronounced if it is articulated within a broader educational and economic vision that is shared by a range of stakeholders in society and supported by an adequate funding base. VET relies on effective and efficient identification mechanisms of labour demand and skills, strong national information systems and national forums through which economic and VET strategies can be aligned. Another crucial point is that VET should be based on a demand, rather than a supply driven approach and partly planned and partly driven by market forces. The paper is intended to provide some useful insights on VET and develop and share knowledge among small island states regarding the challenges faced by VET systems and the responses to these challenges.