Saint Lucia Council for Technical a nd Vocational Educational Training

Published purpose

Youth unemployment in Saint Lucia remains a major challenge, especially for underserved communities with limited access to skills training and certification. This project aims to provide a competency-based apprenticeship program for 30 unemployed youth ages 18 to 29, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training through partnerships with 12 bakery operations, the Bakers Association, and the Ministry of Commerce. Over 12 months, participants will pursue Caribbean Vocational Qualification/National Vocational Qualification (CVQ/NVQ) certification at Levels 1 and 2, improving employability and helping meet workforce needs in the baking sector. The project promotes inclusion by encouraging at least 20% enrolment from the Offenders’ Reintegration Project and supporting gender equity. A public awareness campaign will help shift negative perceptions of the baking industry and increase interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities. Ultimately, the project aims to expand the pool of work-ready, certified professionals and strengthen socio-economic prospects for youth across key communities in Saint Lucia.