A high-level team from the HEART NSTA Trust, led by managing director Dr Taneisha Ingleton, met with City & Guilds representatives last Thursday to discuss an expansion of their existing partnership as the NSTA pursues options to expand certification opportunities for Jamaica’s workforce.

Over a four-year period (2019-2022), City & Guilds has issued 14,000 Math and English certificates to successful HEART NSTA learners. Between 2022 and 2023, the NSTA successfully assessed 3,400 Jamaicans via the City & Guilds Skills Proficiency Awards across 16 occupational areas including six focused construction trades. All successful candidates have received their certificates and digital badges.

For this academic year, HEART registered 3,600 learners for City & Guilds examinations in Math and English. The results will be available by the end of August 2023.

Dr Ingleton anticipates a broadening of the partnership to include delivery of City & Guilds qualifications at HEART Academies including employability, hairdressing & beauty therapy, information technology, barista skills, digital marketing, motor vehicle, engineering and the Professional Recognition Awards.

The HEART NSTA has achieved accreditation from City & Guilds for two unique programmes of study in “Culinary Technology” and “DJs in Tourism” with a third programme pending approval from the London-based vocational awarding body.

Other representatives from HEART NSTA at the meeting were Dr Cheryl McLaughlin, Deputy Managing Director and Marsha Grant, Senior Programme Director.

Representing City & Guilds were Marva Duncanson, Caribbean Representative, Carlisle Myers, Project Officer and Racheed Reid, Business Development Officer.