Burchell WhitemanGREATER ACCESS to tertiary education and tertiary technical education in particular, have become increasingly necessary as a result of globalisation and the growing demands of the 21st century, says Minister of Education, Burchell Whiteman.
The Minister who was representing Prime Minister P.J. Patterson at the opening of the Brown's Town Community College's Engineering and Technical Campus at Discovery Bay in St. Ann on Wednesday said the Government was conscious of the vital link between quality education, effective training and employment, adding that it was from this level of training that the advanced knowledge and skills required in the professional and technical fields, in business and finance, and in government, were drawn.
He noted however, that like most developing countries, the number of graduates of the tertiary system in Jamaica were below the critical level required to trigger and sustain development. He said the opening of the Engineering and Technical campus would play a major role in correcting this situation by supplying trained professional and skilled personnel to fill the manpower needs of the society.
The Minister noted that the Government had consistently made education and training a major priority in terms of budgetary investment, in recognition of the fact that part of the overall development strategy for the country, called for investment in our people and our future, through research and technology, and education and skills training.
Minister Whiteman said, however, that this must also involve curriculum improvement in terms of content and relevance. "We must also constantly review and revise teaching methods and assessment techniques," the Minister stated.
The new Brown's Town Community campus which is situated at the former administrative offices of Kaiser Bauxite Company is expected to provide "world class" technical and vocational training, providing opportunities for local companies and institutions to develop the potential of their employees, enhance teaching and learning experiences through electronic networks and advanced learning centres and develop a multi-purpose centre for community development and interaction.
