Cabinet Approves National Policy on Apprenticeship to Strengthen Skills Development and Workforce Readiness.

2026-07-30

30th July, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE

Cabinet Approves National Policy on Apprenticeship to Strengthen Skills Development and Workforce Readiness

The Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has approved the National Policy on Apprenticeship, a landmark initiative by the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST), in collaboration with the National Training Agency (NTA). The approval marks a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to strengthening skills development, expanding workforce opportunities, and building a modern apprenticeship system that responds to the evolving needs of the national economy.

The National Policy on Apprenticeship establishes Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to a comprehensive framework for the development, implementation, and governance of structured quality apprenticeship programmes. It creates a coordinated national approach to apprenticeship delivery while strengthening pathways between education, training, and employment.

Developed through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training and the National Training Agency, the Policy provides clear guidance to employers, apprentices and trainees, training institutions, schools, industry associations, workers’ unions, and other stakeholders on the establishment, registration, delivery, certification, monitoring, and continuous improvement of apprenticeship programmes throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

The Policy establishes national standards for structured apprenticeships and sets out eligibility requirements for apprentices, employers, and training providers to participate in quality-assured programmes. It also introduces mechanisms for the recognition and certification of apprentices, strengthens governance and quality assurance arrangements, and clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the apprenticeship system.

The overarching objective of the Policy is to provide a nationally coordinated framework to guide the development, registration, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of apprenticeship programmes. Specifically, the Policy seeks to:

promote meaningful collaboration and social dialogue among apprenticeship stakeholders;
establish nationally recognised standards for apprenticeship programmes;
provide a robust framework for quality assurance; and
clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the institutions and partners responsible for apprenticeship delivery.

Through these measures, the Policy is designed to produce apprenticeship programmes that are responsive to current and emerging industry needs while providing high-quality dual-based learning that combines workplace experience with formal training.

The National Policy on Apprenticeship is expected to deliver seven key outcomes:

apprenticeships that are responsive to current and emerging industry needs;
high-quality training experiences that integrate workplace learning with formal instruction;
qualified and skilled workers who contribute effectively to the workplace;
apprenticeship programmes that are effectively managed and administered;
sustainable apprenticeship systems that support long-term workforce development;
expanded access to apprenticeship opportunities throughout Trinidad and Tobago; and
greater awareness and promotion of apprenticeships as a proven and adaptable model for skills and workforce development.

Commenting on Cabinet’s approval, Senator Professor Emeritus the Honourable Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, said:

“The approval of the National Policy on Apprenticeship marks a transformative moment in the advancement of skills development in Trinidad and Tobago. This Policy establishes a robust national framework that will strengthen collaboration between Government, employers, training institutions, organised labour and industry, while ensuring that apprenticeships meet internationally recognised standards of quality. Through our partnership with the National Training Agency, we are creating meaningful opportunities for citizens to gain practical, industry-relevant experience and equipping our workforce with the skills required to drive innovation, productivity and sustainable national development.”

The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training will continue to work closely with the NTA, employers, educational institutions, organised labour, and industry partners to implement the Policy and ensure apprenticeship programmes remain relevant, accessible, and responsive to the changing needs of Trinidad and Tobago’s labour market.

The approval of the National Policy on Apprenticeship represents another important step in the Government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled, competitive, and future-ready workforce while supporting economic diversification and sustainable national development.

– END-