Some 758 students across the country on Monday were officially certified in a number of skilled areas, following their successful completion of the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP).
One of the graduates receives a prize from Education Minister Shaik Baksh
The programme, introduced by the Education Ministry in 2008, is aimed at checking school dropouts and ensuring secondary school students are adequately prepared for the world of work.
Speaking at the graduation convened at the National Cultural Centre, Education Minister Shaik Baksh said based on preliminary reports, the initiative has been having a positive impact in reducing school dropouts.
On that note, he said, the ministry has managed to reduce school dropouts by 50 per cent in the last five years. The students did courses in language and communication, mathematics, integrated science and general studies, agriculture science, industrial technology, home economics and visual arts.
Some 232 students did crops and soil; 198 catering; 39 household management; 4 garment construction; 20 art; 40 fabric decoration; 9 carpentry; 89 joinery; 57 electrical installation; 6 masonry; and 7 welding.
Twenty-nine students from the Buxton Practical Instruction Centre who completed training in phase one of the “Skills for Life” programme also graduated.
Eighteen of these students did catering; seven garment construction; and four joinery.
These students, who are now qualified for entry-level jobs, can either enter the field of work, or pursue the TVET subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) before undertaking higher studies.
Baksh said the goal of the programme is to provide students who are not academically inclined with an opportunity to learn a skill that will make them employable. Students on completion of the programme can also work privately. The intention, the minister said, is to ensure that every child in the school system receives an education, is moulded with the right mindset, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to society.
