The Centre for Employment Initiatives (CEI) has been at the forefront of advancing technical skills, digital capacity, and inclusive workforce development across the Caribbean. The CEI Master References – Caribbean report outlines several transformative projects aimed at closing skills gaps, increasing employment opportunities, and building resilient economies.
Enhancing TVET in Antigua and Barbuda
In response to high youth and women’s unemployment, CEI has worked to strengthen the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) system in Antigua and Barbuda. The project includes a labour market responsiveness analysis, gender inclusion strategies, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and policy recommendations to ensure TVET programs align with industry needs and provide equal opportunities for all.
Driving Digital Skills in the OECS
Under the $94 million World Bank–funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP), CEI has delivered regional digital skills market assessments, developed program frameworks, and designed standardized syllabi for training providers. Special strategies target youth and women to encourage participation in digital fields, aiming for a future-ready workforce across OECS member states.
ICT Sector Skills in Trinidad & Tobago
CEI has also supported a national manpower assessment to identify occupational skills gaps in ICT and related sectors. This work included enterprise and TVET provider surveys, workshops with government and stakeholders, and a five-year policy framework for skills development. The focus is on ensuring the country’s workforce is equipped for the evolving demands of a digital economy.
Together, these projects demonstrate CEI’s commitment to inclusive and future-focused workforce solutions—supporting economic growth, gender equity, and innovation across the Caribbean.
