Brief Background
The Workforce Development Centre (WDC) is a concept funded by the European Union through the Generation of Employment through Private Sector Development Programme (GEPSED), implemented by the Department of Economic Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training and the Saint Lucia Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, which aims to provide a access to TVET courses to youth (ages 15-35). The training will be delivered by reputable TVET course providers in Saint Lucia.
The programme is expected to last for two years and within that time, the goal is to have at least 600 hundred young people trained.
The physical WDC has been established in the south of the island – Beanefield Vieux Fort – because the initial target group is youth in the southern belt of the island from Dennery to Anse La Raye. The rationale for this decision is it has been observed that youth in this part of the island are more disadvantaged in nearly all economic and social indicators. It is hoped by next year, significant progress would have been made in serving the southern youth to thus shift the focus of the programme island-wide.
Mission Statement
To provide young people with opportunities to maximise their potential in their fields of interest by facilitating access to quality TVET occupational training programmes and experiences, which render them successful and productive members of society in a 21st century milieu.
Vision
A Workforce Development Centre geared to build, attract and retain a highly skilled and competent workforce that contributes to economic growth and development.
Motto
Education, Empowerment, Entrepreneurship