Embrace it especially the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

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Introduction

Investing in tertiary education is one of the greatest contributions any government can make for its citizens. I am not talking about providing scholarships for students to go abroad. Of course, that too is a great investment but not everyone will be able to get a scholarship, but everyone will be able to access an educational institution that is locally based.

Well thirty years ago in September 1994, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) was established. Before I proceed any further let me thank the two individuals who made this possible, the then Minister of Education, the Hon. Arabella Smith and the Chief Minister at that time, the Hon. Washington Misick.

I believe hundreds of people can say they successfully walked through the doors of the TCICC and as a result, their lives have improved. The TCICC has progressed significantly to the point that you can now obtain a bachelor’s degree in certain fields. While all the classes are important, I think the introduction of the TVET (Technical and Vocational Educational Training) should transform the workforce in the Turks and Caicos and I believe that we should capitalize on this program.

TVET

I know the plans of the previous administration were to establish a vocational school as a separate institution and not a part of the TCICC. However, this Government did not proceed with that plan and expanded the TVET program through the TCICC. This program is basically the substitute for the vocational school and currently offers the following subjects:

• Commercial Food Preparation
• Cosmetology
• Customer Service
• General Office Administration
• Nail Technology
• Spa Therapy
• Electrical Installation
• Food and Beverage

More programs are expected to commence in April 2025.

Associate and bachelor’s Degree Programmes

TCICC offers many programs in which you can obtain an associate or a bachelor’s degree. You do not have to go abroad and study if you don’t want as these programs are on your doorsteps. Some of these programs are as follows

• Business Administration with concentration in accounting, finance, marketing and human resource management
• Natural and Applied Science
• Information Technology
• Management Information System
• Computer Studies
• Computer Electronics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering Technology
• Early Childhood Education
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education
• Hospitality Management
• Culinary Arts
• Tourism Management and Entertainment.
• Social Work
• Criminal Justice
• General Studies
• Architectural Design
• Automotive Engineering Technology
• Nursing

Tuition is free

The great news is that from September 2022, tuition is free for Turks and Caicos Islanders and British Overseas Territories’ Citizens. Honestly, this is something that all Turks and Caicos Islanders should take advantage of. I know for sure those that have BOTC status are taking advantage of it.

People have been asking for a vocational school. However, in order for the school to be a success, the students must attend and do their work.

The benefits of Tertiary Education

Receiving an education beyond secondary education equips you with the knowledge and skills required to get that job or to start that business. In so doing, this helps you to increase your earnings. No one should be able to tell you that you do not have the qualifications and if you have the qualifications, you should get paid for what you are worth, especially if you have experience along with the qualification.

Satellite Campus in South Caicos

The residents of South Caicos can benefit from the TCICC because the TCICC offers courses to the residents via satellite campus. It is expected the same will be done very soon for the residents of North Caicos.

Conclusion

I congratulate the team at TCICC on its 30 years of existence; however, the institution must ensure it is meeting the needs of the students and the country. There are some courses such as music that so many young people want to enroll in, but the college is not offering music as a major and as a result these students are forced to enroll in courses that they do not wish to do, or some are forced to go away and enroll in a college overseas that offers the courses of their desires.

Another issue is that are some courses that are only offered at the Grand Turk location. This must be reviewed, and the same courses should also be offered at the Providenciales location.

Finally, I want to say I admire those parents and students who opted to attend the TCICC. We ought to be proud of our TCICC.