NESC Technical Institute (NESC-TI) successfully hosted its TVET Conference & Exhibition 2026 from April 23–25 at its Point Lisas Campus, convening key stakeholders across industry, education, and government to advance dialogue on the future of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Held under the theme “Innovation in TVET,” the event focused on strengthening the alignment between training systems and evolving workforce needs, with particular emphasis on emerging technologies, industry relevance, and practical pathways to employment.
Conference: Advancing Strategic Dialogue
The Conference brought together policymakers, educators, employers, and training providers for a day of structured engagement and knowledge exchange, including delegates from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Jamaica, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, reinforcing the event’s regional relevance and collaborative focus.
The Opening Ceremony featured remarks from Senator Emeritus Professor the Honourable Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training and Dr. the Honourable Michael Dowlath, Minister of Education underscoring the critical role of TVET in national development and workforce readiness.
A keynote address by Dr. Taneisha Ingleton, Managing Director of HEART/NSTA Trust (Jamaica), set the tone for the day, highlighting the need for agility, innovation, and stronger regional collaboration within the TVET ecosystem.
The programme included technical paper presentations across breakout sessions, featuring a range of topics aligned with innovation in training delivery, programme design, and industry engagement. Papers were presented by faculty from NESC-TI, the UWI – St Augustine, MIC-IT, Morvant/Laventille Secondary and YTEPP in Trinidad. Faculty from Heart/NSTA Trust and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education in Jamaica as well as St Xavier’s University in Nova Scotia also presented papers.
Exhibition: Connecting Training to Opportunity
The Exhibition component created a dynamic platform for engagement between training providers, industry partners, and prospective students. Secondary school students were invited to explore programmes, interact with exhibitors, and gain insight into viable career pathways within the technical and vocational sector.
The Student Showcase was a key highlight, demonstrating the capabilities and potential of NESC-TI students through practical displays and interactive presentations.
Strong Partnerships and Support
The success of the event was supported by a range of partners and sponsors, including Perenco (Silver Sponsor); Atlantic and the National Training Agency (Bronze Sponsors); and El Dorado Offshore (Student Showcase Sponsor). Additional support was provided by NP, Tiger Tanks, and Massy Group, alongside institutional partners MIC-IT, UTT, NTA, and COSTAATT.
These partnerships were instrumental in strengthening the reach and impact of the event and reflect a shared commitment to advancing TVET in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region.
Looking Ahead
Early feedback from participants has been positive, with strong engagement across both the Conference and Exhibition. The insights gained will inform ongoing efforts to strengthen programme relevance, enhance student experience, and deepen industry collaboration.
The NESC Technical Institute remains committed to advancing innovation in TVET and continues to play a central role in developing a skilled, future-ready workforce for Trinidad and Tobago and the region.
