Approximately 3,500 people sign up for technical vocational training programmes at the MIC Institute of Technology each year. Of that, 20 to 25 per cent either drop out or fail the programmes, according to chairman of the MIC Prof Clément Imbert.
Speaking to the Guardian, Imbert said, “Unfortunately the attrition rate, failure and the people dropping out is a little too high, higher than you would find at the universities, for instance. This is because many of the programmes are filled by people who we attract almost off the streets.”
Imbert said tradesmen are needed in the country and they try to encourage these students to stay and complete training even if they fail. “We try to make sure everyone who comes here and who’s willing, that we work with them until they pass.”
MIC offers a number of programmes but only four are funded by Gate. These are: the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP), Workforce Assessment Centre (WAC), Technical-Vocational Instructor/Teacher Training (TVITT) Unit, and Master Craftsman Programme.
When the Government-appointed Task Force’s report into Gate was leaked last week, concerns were raised over the impact it could have on the TVET sector.
The report suggested, “Effective August 2017, level II Technical, Vocational, Educational and Training (TVET) programmes should not be funded. Only programmes offered at institutions accredited by the ACTT should be funded. Exceptions should be made for postgraduate, undergraduate and TVET programmes that meet national needs.”
MIC is the first TVET institution to become accredited by the ACTT in the country and Imbert admits, “It is possible some of them may be affected, but I’m not sure exactly what is going to happen. The population must expect with a vast decrease in our income that all areas have to be rationalised, but I think people are getting a bit paranoid about what is going to be cut and not be cut.”
He said the country can’t expect business as usual. “Remember this particular government was not responsible for Gate for the last five years, so if there were certain things that have to be looked at you have to look at it. The country will have to decide which of the areas and which of the recipients for the Gate funding is best for the country.”
Don’t stop funding—student
Brandon La Croix, 21, of Arima, third-year student of the NSDP specialising in Machine Shop Technology, said he was able to gain more experience, more confidence and a better exposure to the world or work and a future career at MIC.
He entered straight out of high school and is nearing the end of the programme. He said, “I don’t think Gate should be cut from these programmes because some people may not have the right background and have a poorer background, unable to pursue a better education.
Tariq Khan, programme manager of the Multi-Sector Skills Training (MuST) Programme, said the MIC programmes target mainly at-risk youths, “youths that need a second chance, those that are economically disadvantaged, achievement motivated, differently abled, re-entrants to productive society and displaced workers.”
Recently, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley revealed that $750 million is spent each year on Gate.
Courses
MIC Gate-funded per student per year
Course Duration Annual Intake Annual Cost
Craftsman 1 year 25-30 $20,000 to $24,000
NSDP 3 years 160 $15,000 (3 years)
TVITT 1 year 60 $15,000
WAC One-time 500 $2,500 to $3,000