Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer
Robert Gregory (left), executive director, Heart Trust/NTA, greets Dr. Ray Davis (right), president of the University of Technology (UTech), while Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth, looks on. During the launch of the High School Equivalency Programme (HISEP) by the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) and Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL) at the Terra Nova Hotel, St. Andrew, yesterday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
Jamaicans who have been unable to obtain a secondary-level education can now receive that certification through the High School Equivalency Programme (HISEP).
The programme, which is a joint initiative between the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET), the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL), the HEART Trust/National Training Agency (NTA) and the Ministry of Education and Youth, was launched yesterday at the Terra Nova hotel in St. Andrew.
HISEP will offer training in five subject areas: Language and communication, literature, culture and the arts, mathematics, science and technology and society and citizenship. Applicants will be assessed at the start of the programme to determine readiness for the
programme, after which they will be mentored at HISEP centres. Persons will then be able to work at their own pace to complete the
programme.
A second opportunity
Pauline Bain, materials coordinator of HISEP, says the programme will give a second opportunity to persons who have failed in their attempts to secure secondary certification.
Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth, described the programme as a 'watershed' for persons who have not achieved secondary-level education and who can now
do so.
"Let us treat it (HISEP) as another stepping stone to create a quality society, a quality workforce and a Jamaica where everyone sees himself or herself as having an objective and being able to achieve that objective," the Education Minister said. She also noted the importance of a highly trained workforce, and said many Jamaican workers were missing out because they did not possess the requisite skills needed to succeed.
Robert Gregory, executive director of HEART Trust/NTA, said certification is very critical in a global setting. He said many persons in the Jamaican workforce do not have the credentials to access better jobs and compensation. He endorsed the importance of education and implored employers to encourage employees to enroll in the programme.
The programme, which began a pilot phase in 2004, will officially begin in September.
HISEP programme
Those who are eligible.
18 years and over.
Did not complete secondary level education.
Completed secondary school, but received no formal certification.
Completed secondary level education, but with inadequate certification.
How to get into the programme
Collect, complete and submit an application form to the HISEP Secretariat.
Choose and register with an approved HISEP centre.
Be assessed in foundation English and mathematics to determine your readiness for the programme.
Undertake an introductory course in computer studies.
Purchase the self-instructional package and other supporting materials.
Work at your own pace, in your own space, on your own, or in a group setting.
