Ninety-six teachers have received Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification through the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), marking a step forward in Guyana’s efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education.
The certificates were presented at a graduation ceremony on Monday, where Minister of Education Sonia Parag emphasised the importance of equipping students with practical skills that meet the demands of the modern workforce.
Parag challenged the perception that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is less valuable than traditional academic programmes, stressing that both pathways are essential to national development.
“Technical and vocational education is not a lesser pathway. It is essential to preparing our people for the opportunities ahead and building a skilled workforce that can contribute to Guyana’s continued development,” the minister said.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag
She encouraged the graduates to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their respective institutions, improve the quality of technical instruction and motivate students to pursue vocational training.
At CPCE, CVQ certification became a mandatory component of the curriculum in 2023 for students specialising in Agricultural Science, Industrial Technology, Home Economics and Visual Arts.
The college began the process of becoming a registered CVQ institution in November 2024 and achieved registration in June 2025. This enabled CPCE to register its students directly for the qualification.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tularam, described the achievement as an important milestone in the professional development of teachers.
Deputy Chief Education Officer Technical, Dr Ritesh Tularam
He explained that the qualification demonstrates competence in a specific occupational area and reflects adherence to nationally and regionally recognised occupational standards.
Dr Tularam urged the graduates to incorporate their training into classroom teaching, strengthen competency-based assessment and share their knowledge by mentoring fellow educators.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve technical instruction, expand practical learning opportunities and prepare students for further training and employment in Guyana’s developing economy.