Professor Gossett Oliver, vice-president at the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship at the University of Technology, has recommended that the HEART Trust/NTA be placed under the Ministry of Labour.

The training agency is a statutory body of the Ministry of Education. It began in 1982 and has expanded greatly over the years, from enrolling 59 students at its inception to a target of 107,000 learners in all programmes in 2007-08.

"I believe that the Apprenticeship Act 1954 was correct in stating that this portfolio should be under the minister responsible for the subject labour," Professor Oliver said.

For better interplay

"This, I believe, would facilitate a more seamless centricity interplay on the subject among stakeholders, such as trade unions, training providers, and employers."

According to Professor Oliver, while it is true that the number of persons obtaining National Vocational Qualification Jamaica (NVQ-J) has increased, the numbers are still inadequate.

He noted that certification in NVQ-J amounted to about 20,000 in 2003 to 2004.

"This is woefully inadequate when compared to the total workforce population," Professor Oliver said.

He added: "If we are to position skills training as one of the planks for growth and well-being for our country, some adjustments in the way forward will be needed."