COTRI CARICOM— Digitalising Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Delivery in the CARICOM Region

The project supports CARICOM Member States in transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems to enhance access, equity, and quality in education. It aims to equip learners with 21st-century skills to meet labour market needs and foster inclusive social and economic growth across the Caribbean. 

Persistent inequalities in educational access, outdated training methods, and limited digital capacity continue to constrain opportunities for youth and vulnerable groups in the region. By modernising TVET governance, expanding digital learning, and promoting regional cooperation, the project contributes to building resilient and future-ready education systems. 

The project is supported by the Trilateral Cooperation Instrument of Adelante II –  the European Union, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the Regional Fund for Triangular Cooperation with Partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the German Federal Ministry of Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It is implemented by  the CARICOM Secretariat, CANTA, SENAI, ABC and GIZ.  

Overview

The project advances TVET systems across CARICOM Member States through digital transformation, institutional strengthening, and alignment of training programmes with economic priorities. 
It supports the implementation of the CARICOM Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy by introducing innovative teaching and learning models, improving institutional capacities, and fostering collaboration among National Training Agencies (NTAs), TVET institutions, and regional partners. 

Through coordinated action between the CARICOM Secretariat and international partners, the initiative contributes to developing a more skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce - supporting sustainable growth and social inclusion in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

Scope and objectives

Despite decades of educational advancement, CARICOM Member States continue to experience persistent inequalities in access to skills training and employment opportunities, particularly among young people, women, and marginalised communities. 

Only around 52% of secondary students participate in apprenticeships or school-to-work programmes, and many TVET curricula remain out of step with modern labour market demands. 

The project tackles these gaps by strengthening national and regional TVET systems, advancing digital learning, improving the quality and relevance of programmes, and promoting lifelong learning pathways. 

The ultimate goal is to build a skilled, competitive, and resilient Caribbean workforce, driving sustainable economic development and greater social inclusion. 

Results and impact

The project has made significant strides in strengthening TVET systems and expanding access to digital, inclusive, and labour-market-responsive training opportunities across the CARICOM region. 

• In July 2023, a workshop brought together representatives from across the CARICOM region in Brasília and Goiânia, Brazil .The delegation visited SENAI Goiás, a leading centre for digital TVET, to exchange best practices and explore innovative training technologies.
• On 24 August 2024, executive and technical missions were conducted in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago to engage national stakeholders and lay the groundwork for the pilot implementation phase.
• A consultant team was engaged to develop regional guidelines for the digitalisation of TVET. An inception report was delivered and validated with CARICOM and CANTA, outlining clear methodologies, implementation pathways, and country-specific questionnaires.
• Three occupational programmes: Food Preparation (Level 2), Cosmetology (Level 2), and Civil Construction (Level 2) were selected for full digitalisation. In August 2025, ten regional professionals completed a co-creation training programme at SENAI Goiás, developing instructional design materials and video modules alongside Brazilian specialists.
• An Inclusive Incentive Programme was developed to expand access for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. A regional guide and stakeholder matrices were created to support adaptation in each pilot country and promote equitable participation. 

About the project

The trilateral cooperation project has been implemented through a partnership between CARICOM Member States, Brazil, Germany, and the European Union, under the ADELANTE 2 Programme.  

This partnership combines regional leadership and technical expertise to strengthen TVET systems across the Caribbean. 

How the Partnership Works 

• CARICOM Member States, through the CARICOM Secretariat and the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), lead planning, coordination and monitoring by engaging national and regional experts, providing facilities for events and workshops, using institutional communication channels and driving the piloting and adoption of regional public goods.
• Brazil, through the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC) and SENAI, contributes specialist technical expertise and operational leadership, including technical assistance and expert input, the organisation of training workshops and study visits, and the development and delivery of training activities.
• Germany, through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and the European Union provide financial support alongside technical advice and short-term consultancy, continuous project management support, facilitation of regional networking and knowledge exchange, and support for the adaptation of digital tools and procurement of training materials. 

Related projects

COTRI YU RAYA — Energy and Light for Life 
A Brazil–Germany–EU–Honduras trilateral cooperation project promoting sustainable energy solutions and strengthening local institutional capacities. 

COTRIMIPYMES— Strengthening Technical Capacities for Innovation in Agro-industrial and Cosmetics MSMEs 

A trilateral cooperation initiative combining complementary expertise to strengthen public policies and innovation capacities for MSMEs in the Dominican Republic. 

Implementing partner

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH