We think that Jamaica is fairly developed and opportunities are there to do well, but we think there is still a big gap in terms of persons holding academic or professional qualifications and those without. Don't be fooled, the US does have the same issue to some extent but because of its size and population they can get away with this gap at least for now.
We will focus on several areas, notably, skill training, skill assessment, high school completion and distance learning.
1. High School Completion
This is the foundational step to move forward in this world. Most jobs if not all, does require at least a good high school education and even to run a business an high school education makes a world of difference. In Jamaica, one option to get this done is the High School Equivalency Program (HSEP). In the US, this approach is called GED but online schools such as Penn Foster offer their home diploma options. Once you get the high school diploma, you can decide to pursue the skill route or attempt CXC or other exams to get into the academic stream.
2. Skills Training Opportunities
In Jamaica, the National Training Agency co-ordinates skill training on the island in general. They have programs from Certificate level all the way to Bachelors degree. This is good for those just finishing high school and want to continue on to getting a reasonable skill before entering the work force. On the other hand for those trapped in working and no time to take classes in the days we will try to cover some options in distance learning section but there are evening class options to explore here as well.
Its very important to utilize the Career counseling services offered by the NTA to understand what you want and how you can get there.
3. Skill Assessments and Exams
This is where the biggest challenge is with education. Those adults who are working without formal training in their field of specialization. This problem could be compounded that even with certification in existing position it may still mean they simply need more training to advance. However, its still better to be certified with what you know then look at opportunities to move forward from there. we have two basic options to look at here which is to use the National Qualifications Register(NQR) or skill training which is covered by the NTA.
There is also the option of taking certification or qualification exams in the respective field depending on where you are on the career ladder. If you are in entry or middle level positions, then it makes sense to check out the professional qualification exams. A good example of this are those from the United Kingdom.
If you have lots of training, some diplomas and certificates already one option to look at is the France VAE System. This will cost more than local options as you will need to travel to France but its definitely cheaper and faster than going to school full time.
4. Alternative/Distance Learning
We have covered several options but there is always the issue of how to ensure people have options regardless of their circumstances. For example someone with responsibility to feed a family may not be able to attend school full time to gain a skills certificate and even if they get certified in the field they are currently in, the salary prospects are still not good, so they need to move to the next level. Distance learning or online courses have become a good alternative nowadays for those who cannot attend school full time or even for those that prefer to take that route. You can now attend well respected schools from anywhere in the world.
To keep this section focus, we will focus more on low cost options or those that can get you a recognized qualification within a reasonable period of time.The first couple we have located of the many out there are Penn Foster College and ICS International. These are just examples as there are many other good low cost training colleges online as well. Just make sure the choice you make is properly accredited. Their are many that claim to be accredited but just do this to fool people. Look for those that have DETC or Regional accreditation in the US as that would be the minimum to start with.
For those that want to pursue academic degrees online at low cost, the best option by far we have found in terms of cost and proper accreditation is the University of South Africa (UNISA). Their cost is a steal for what they offer but of course distance learning takes a lot of self-discipline to succeed as well.
Since distance learning is generally individual, its good to get study partners in the same field, with tools like Skype, you could do this by distance if that is the only choice. The other strategy is to find a job that is as close to the degree field as possible. This would allow you to have some practical experience while studying. In fact a good strategy is to take the skills training options and the distance learning courses to give yourself a well rounded and respected qualification.
5. Traditional College Training
Assuming you can and want to pursue traditional post secondary education, there are several options from teachers colleges to several universities. The main ones are University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of Technology (UTech). Bear in mind that the other options discussed earlier could also help with articulation to these universities.
Conclusion
This demonstrates that there are numerous opportunities to move your career forward. The key is to decide on which strategy is best for you.
We will focus on several areas, notably, skill training, skill assessment, high school completion and distance learning.
1. High School Completion
This is the foundational step to move forward in this world. Most jobs if not all, does require at least a good high school education and even to run a business an high school education makes a world of difference. In Jamaica, one option to get this done is the High School Equivalency Program (HSEP). In the US, this approach is called GED but online schools such as Penn Foster offer their home diploma options. Once you get the high school diploma, you can decide to pursue the skill route or attempt CXC or other exams to get into the academic stream.
2. Skills Training Opportunities
In Jamaica, the National Training Agency co-ordinates skill training on the island in general. They have programs from Certificate level all the way to Bachelors degree. This is good for those just finishing high school and want to continue on to getting a reasonable skill before entering the work force. On the other hand for those trapped in working and no time to take classes in the days we will try to cover some options in distance learning section but there are evening class options to explore here as well.
Its very important to utilize the Career counseling services offered by the NTA to understand what you want and how you can get there.
3. Skill Assessments and Exams
This is where the biggest challenge is with education. Those adults who are working without formal training in their field of specialization. This problem could be compounded that even with certification in existing position it may still mean they simply need more training to advance. However, its still better to be certified with what you know then look at opportunities to move forward from there. we have two basic options to look at here which is to use the National Qualifications Register(NQR) or skill training which is covered by the NTA.
There is also the option of taking certification or qualification exams in the respective field depending on where you are on the career ladder. If you are in entry or middle level positions, then it makes sense to check out the professional qualification exams. A good example of this are those from the United Kingdom.
If you have lots of training, some diplomas and certificates already one option to look at is the France VAE System. This will cost more than local options as you will need to travel to France but its definitely cheaper and faster than going to school full time.
4. Alternative/Distance Learning
We have covered several options but there is always the issue of how to ensure people have options regardless of their circumstances. For example someone with responsibility to feed a family may not be able to attend school full time to gain a skills certificate and even if they get certified in the field they are currently in, the salary prospects are still not good, so they need to move to the next level. Distance learning or online courses have become a good alternative nowadays for those who cannot attend school full time or even for those that prefer to take that route. You can now attend well respected schools from anywhere in the world.
To keep this section focus, we will focus more on low cost options or those that can get you a recognized qualification within a reasonable period of time.The first couple we have located of the many out there are Penn Foster College and ICS International. These are just examples as there are many other good low cost training colleges online as well. Just make sure the choice you make is properly accredited. Their are many that claim to be accredited but just do this to fool people. Look for those that have DETC or Regional accreditation in the US as that would be the minimum to start with.
For those that want to pursue academic degrees online at low cost, the best option by far we have found in terms of cost and proper accreditation is the University of South Africa (UNISA). Their cost is a steal for what they offer but of course distance learning takes a lot of self-discipline to succeed as well.
Since distance learning is generally individual, its good to get study partners in the same field, with tools like Skype, you could do this by distance if that is the only choice. The other strategy is to find a job that is as close to the degree field as possible. This would allow you to have some practical experience while studying. In fact a good strategy is to take the skills training options and the distance learning courses to give yourself a well rounded and respected qualification.
5. Traditional College Training
Assuming you can and want to pursue traditional post secondary education, there are several options from teachers colleges to several universities. The main ones are University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of Technology (UTech). Bear in mind that the other options discussed earlier could also help with articulation to these universities.
Conclusion
This demonstrates that there are numerous opportunities to move your career forward. The key is to decide on which strategy is best for you.