The Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) is an award that represents the achievement of a set of competencies that define the essential work practices of an occupational area consistent with the levels articulated within the regional qualifications framework. It is designed to develop the regional workforce into one that is competent, innovative, enterprising and entrepreneurial. It provides an avenue whereby workplace development can occur through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform. Using a Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) approach, the CVQ acts as a catalyst to develop and change the traditional modes of teaching and learning. It also develops best work practices and policies in candidates equipping them to contribute efficiently within the workplace.

The Quality Assurance principles for the implementation of the CVQ was established by the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA) through a Quality Assurance Committee made up of the NTAs. Quality Assurance is an imperative for any qualification system. Assurance of quality in education, and more specifically in TVET, is a process of establishing stakeholder confidence that the training being provided (input, process and outcomes) fulfill expectations or measures up to threshold minimum requirements of the regionally approved Occupational Standards. Within the CVQ framework, Quality Assurance refers to a well documented and administered system of assessment, internal and external verification processes which are essential in establishing and maintaining credibility in the TVET system.

Quality Assurance as applied in the CVQ model is process-oriented, proactive and is concerned with how a product or service is produced. Focus is placed on the inputs (e.g. learners, selection and admission procedures, curricula and competency standards), processes (e.g. staff, equipment, finances, facilities, training materials, training delivery, assessment procedures, links with industry and organization structure) and outputs (e.g. graduation rates, employability, job placements, skills, knowledge, attitude and workplace performance).

To ensure that quality in the training system is maintained, the National Training Agencies within the Caribbean are placing emphasis on the use of:

• Training Objectives
• Competency Standards developed and endorsed by Industry
• Defining the competencies/outcomes to be achieved
• Efficient use of resources
• Cost effectiveness within the training system
• Quality Assurance within the TVET system therefore enables and facilitates:
  • The improvement of the skills of the workforce
  • A strengthening of the link between education and the world of work
  • Relevance and direct input from industry on training matters
  • Learner-focused model of training
  • A platform for the provision of competency-based certification for workers
  • The creation of better business and management practices

Training providers currently registered and awaiting programme and centre approval are:

• YTEPP
• National Centre for Persons with Disabilities
• Tropical Horticulture & Landscaping Services
• Kenson School of Production Technology
• School of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SORAC)
• Export Centres Company Ltd
• YIL Education Institute
• Little Leaders Early Childhood Learning Centre
• Christina’s Career Training Institute
• Atlantic LNG
• JP Steelpan & Accessories
• Fluid Power Training Institute
• Institute of Aesthetics
• Shanta’s Beauty Spa
• Retraining Programme
• Bennett’s Medical Technology Institute
• Sanch Electronic
• Studio 161 Ltd.
• Captured Live
• Air Oil Systems Engineering Ltd.
• Divine Health Care and Home Care Agency
• Prestige Holdings
• Madame Maharaj School Of Beauty And Cosmetology
• Tme Hair & Beyond
• Condisec
• NESC
• A Class
• Lestra’s Cottage School of interior Decorating
• Boiler & Industrial Institute of Technology Ltd.
• Restorex Ltd. / Rods & Ramblers
• Metal Industries Ltd (MIC)
• Dashin Divas Salon and Spa
• Belleza Day Spa Ltd.
• Information Technology Occupational Safety & Health Enterprises (ITOSH)
• Nails by Odale
• Caribbean Tutors.com
• Caribbean Airlines Technical Training
• Sustrust Centre
• MuST
• SERVOL
• New Beginnings Salon and School