Building a Skilled Nation
The Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) is the National Training Agency for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Established under the SSDA Act, 2010, it operates under the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information.
The National Qualifications Department (NQD) serves as the Secretariat of the SSDA, responsible for the management and coordination of key aspects of the national TVET and qualifications system.
Our Vision
A TVET System fully integrated into national education and training provision; adequately resourced and recognized in its contribution to productivity and personal and national development.
Our Mission
To provide opportunities for appropriate training and certification in a range of occupational areas to all persons; thereby meeting SVG's needs for an efficient and productive workforce equal to the challenges of a changing regional and international environment.
What We Do
The SSDA/NQD supports the development of a competent, productive and certified workforce through a range of services.
TVET Programme Development
We develop and support competency-based TVET programmes that respond to occupational and labour market needs.
Occupational Standards
We work with industry to develop and validate occupational standards defining knowledge, skills and competencies.
Assessment & Certification
Coordinates assessment and certification processes leading to NVQs and Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs).
Quality Assurance
We promote and monitor quality in TVET training and assessment to ensure qualifications are credible and reliable.
Training Centre Approval
We work with training providers to support quality TVET delivery and implementation of assessment systems.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLAR)
Opportunity for persons with skills from work, community or self-employment to have competencies assessed for certification.
Assessor & Verifier Training
We support the development of persons responsible for assessing and verifying TVET learner competence at Level 4.
Information & Guidance
We provide information to individuals, employers and training providers about TVET programmes and qualifications.
Programmes & Training
Access TVET programmes through Technical Institutes across SVG. Programmes lead to CVQ Levels 1–3, unit competency awards and other recognized certification.
Barrouallie Technical InstituteBTI
+ Other occupational and short-term training opportunities as available
Campden Park Technical InstituteCPTI
+ Other technical and vocational programmes based on demand
Georgetown Technical InstituteGTI
+ Other occupational programmes based on labour market needs
Kingstown Technical InstituteKTI
+ Other technical and vocational programmes based on demand
North Leeward Technical InstituteNLTI
Do you have skills but no formal certification?
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) provides an opportunity for experienced workers, artisans, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons to have their existing knowledge and skills assessed against established occupational standards.
PLAR can benefit persons who gained skills through:
What evidence can you present?
Individuals may present evidence such as:
Samples of Work
Physical or digital examples of your work output
Photographs & Videos
Visual documentation of your skills in action
Letters of Validation
References from employers, clients or community members
Other Relevant Evidence
Any documentation demonstrating competence
Why Choose TVET?
Technical and Vocational Education and Training provides individuals with practical skills and competencies that can transform lives.
Employment
Develop skills that employers need and increase your chances of securing meaningful work.
Entrepreneurship
Gain practical competencies that can support self-employment and business development.
Career Advancement
Upgrade existing skills and improve opportunities for career progression.
Certification
Have your skills formally assessed and recognized with national and regional qualifications.
Lifelong Learning
Continue developing your knowledge and competencies at different stages of your life.
Regional Mobility
The CVQ provides a regional framework for recognizing occupational competence across CARICOM.
Who Can Access Our Services?
TVET opportunities are available to a wide range of individuals. Whether you're starting your career or seeking to formalize years of experience, there's a path for you.
How to Get Started
Follow these steps to begin your TVET journey or get certified through PLAR.
Visit a Technical Institute
Speak with the institution about available programmes and admission requirements.
Contact Us or Visit an Institute
Get information about certification, assessment, PLAR, TVET programmes and other opportunities.
Visit the SSDA/NQD website
Access information, programme details, application forms and updates.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our programmes, PLAR, or how to get started? We're here to help.
Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
