Orange Walk Institute for Technical & Vocational Education and Training

Published purpose

This project aims to ensure that young apprentices in Orange Walk and Belize Districts gain fair access to well-paid, sustainable careers in technical trades, particularly in Air Conditioning (AC), Refrigeration, and Electrical Installation. By receiving industry-recognized training and certification, including environmentally responsible practices, youth will be better equipped to secure employment, start their own businesses, and contribute to a more climate-resilient and skilled national workforce. To achieve this long-term change, the project implements several concrete activities, including: 1) developing and delivering an inclusive apprenticeship curriculum, aligned with Regional Occupational Standards and integrating environmental responsibility, sustainable technologies, and safe handling of refrigerants; 2) establishing partnerships with at least 5 AC, Refrigeration, and Electrical businesses, formalized through memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that secure workplace training, supervision, and adherence to safety protocols; 3) providing hands-on technical training, combining theory, practical workshops, workplace simulations, and ethics and safety modules to prepare 20 apprentices for real industry environments; 4) strengthening certification capacity, including training instructors and industry personnel to develop assessment instruments and gather evidence required for Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 2 certification; 5) monitoring apprenticeship progress and preparing CVQ Level 2 portfolios, ensuring that all apprentices meet competency standards and have complete submissions for certification through the approved National Training Agency.