Chapter 8: Workforce Education and Development in Jamaica

The vocational education and training system in Jamaica is examined using the Gray-Paryono model that analyzes inputs, processes, and outputs. Inputs are described, including relatively well-financed training at the postsecondary level, against a background of serious weaknesses in the primary and secondary education systems and a legacy of low social capital. The vocational education and training (VET) system is the object of serious development efforts after a history of fragmentation, driven by a special payroll tax levy that has enabled the emergence of a strong national training agency. The low academic base of the trainee population creates problems for the training system and its appreciation among employers, although linkages with employers are increasing greatly. Training programs are also less than optimally effective for the economy due to the low amount of job creation and high out-migration of skilled individuals from Jamaica.