THE business and computer studies programme in the School of Technical and Vocational Education at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) has launched a Business Education Association to support the development of business education in Jamaica.

The ceremony was held on the UTech Papine campus.

A release from the school said the association seeks to:

* provide leadership support for the direction of business education in Jamaica

* support instruction for preparing individuals to function effectively within the global environment

* serve individuals and groups engaged in instruction, administration and the dissemination of information regarding business

* align with similar associations overseas to be able to equip business educators with changing business skills/standards and competencies required for global market

* provide support for business education teachers in secondary schools and other institutions.

The association said the body is relevant because economic growth is a pillar of the country’s national development plan.

“It was felt that at this juncture in Jamaica’s history, it was important that this body be established, as it seeks to contribute positively to Jamaica’s growth and development. Business growth and development is one of the pillars of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development plan, and these, along with the delivery of world-class education and training, are outcomes of the contribution that business education can make as we strive to make Jamaica ‘the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business’,” it said in a statement.

“It is therefore imperative, that business educators have a voice as it relates to business education in Jamaica and this can be achieved through becoming further involved in policy formulation and decision-making of our local and regional examining bodies to ensure the quality and relevance of business education and its graduates,” the association continued.

The theme for the launch was Business Education in the 21st Century: Opportunities and Challenges. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Beryl McEwen, Dean, Business and Economics and former Chair in Business Education at North Carolina A&T State University in the US. Other stakeholders in attendance were National Commercial Bank, The Ministry of Education, Caribbean Examinations Council, business educators, and public and private sector personnel.