Dear Editor,

This morning I listened in earnest to news on the radio that the Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams will be introducing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) at the primary school level.

I think this is an excellent idea due to the fact that the current labour market is rapidly changing to meet global needs. I think training children at the primary level is very important for the following reasons. First, the world economy has been changing due to inflationary forces caused by an increase in the cost of living which will result in companies reducing their budgets to pre-pandemic levels, and this will ultimately affect the workforce.

Second, the pandemic has brought to light many changes and so companies have been forced to adapt their business models to suit those of the changing global market, so it is integral that TVET be introduced at the primary level so that the youngsters can be programmed or taught from early how to select and/or adapt their skills to suit these changing needs.

Third, the advent of artificial intelligence will certainly disrupt the world of work in the future; hence, it is critical that TVET be introduced so that children at the primary level can be trained in their relevant disciplines from early. They can then apply these skill sets to new technology.

Finally, it is important that TVET be introduced at this level. It means that primary school children will be taught a range of skills early on so that the country does not have to rely on importing foreign talent and skilled workers. In effect, Jamaica’s dependence on foreign talent would be reduced and so, too, its balance of payments.

Daniel Morgan

The University of the West Indies

dmorgan239@gmail.com