Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) in Dominica
The Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) programme is a UK-funded initiative launched in March 2019 to enhance youth employability across four Eastern Caribbean nations: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Managed by Mott MacDonald, SkYE aims to provide certified technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to over 6,000 individuals aged 15–30, focusing on sectors with evident demand for skilled workers, such as hospitality, construction, renewable energy, information technology, and agro-processing.
Programme Components and Implementation in Dominica
SkYE’s approach in Dominica encompasses three core components:
- Support for Skills Training for Growth: Funding is provided to support training for young people in labour-market relevant areas, helping them improve their prospects and contribute to growth in their countries and regions.
- Focused Support and Training for Disadvantaged Youth: SkYE offers basic technical and life skills training, addressing literacy and numeracy gaps, for disadvantaged young men and women, including those with disabilities.
- Technical Assistance to Improve National Training Systems: The programme supports targeted capacity-building and technical inputs to strengthen the national institutions and processes required to manage, certify, and quality assure the delivery of skills training.
In Dominica, SkYE collaborates with various stakeholders, including the Dominica TVET Council, to ensure the alignment of training programs with national development goals.
Achievements and Impact
By the end of March 2023, Skye in Dominica had surpassed its target, successfully training 372 young individuals aged 16 to 30, exceeding the initial goal of 360 trainees. These participants received certifications in various disciplines, which enhanced their employability and contributed to the nation’s skilled workforce.
Furthermore, SkYE has played a pivotal role in capacity building for instructors and training providers. In May 2023, nine instructors in Dominica were awarded Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) certificates in inclusive teaching and learning, recognising their commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
SkYE’s implementation in Dominica underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing youth unemployment and underemployment. By providing access to quality vocational training and fostering partnerships among government agencies, training providers, and industry stakeholders, SkYE contributes to the development of a competent and adaptable workforce.
Looking ahead, the programme aims to continue supporting youth employment initiatives, focusing on expanding training opportunities, improving the quality of vocational education, and strengthening national training systems’ capacity to meet the evolving needs of the labour market.