I Am Me Technical & Vocational Training Institute

ting in an industry only regulated by state bodies responsible for providing local certification. I Am Me TVI (IAMT) will serve as a centre of excellence for TVET primarily in East Trinidad (but intended to have a nationwide reach) targeting skills in Cosmetology in the first instant. TVET refers to “aspects of the educational process involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences, and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes understanding and knowledge relating to occupants in various sectors of economic and social life" (UNESCO, 2014). TVET can therefore be seen as a vehicle that provides meaningful contribution towards the holistic development of individuals. The significance of TVET skills can be aligned to the satisfaction of our basic physiological needs as determined by Maslow (Food, Shelter, Clothing). Its value in the economic landscape would have shone during the Covid19 Pandemic where most sectors in Trinidad and Tobago were significantly crippled and the demand for pre-cooked meals, face masks and other essential services (plumbing, electrical, etc.) During that period, many citizens were either forced or seized the opportunity to learn/practice basic TVET skills for economic viability. While traditional academia (business related programs in ICT, HR and Marketing for example) remains the popular and preferred form of education, there is a grey line separating these from the TVET field. The major differences between TVET and traditional academia leaning are:
(i) the timeframe for acquiring the required skillset to be considered a professional; and
(ii) the use of an apprenticeship model (working while learning). Interestingly though, the study of TVET requires the application of knowledge, skill and attitude, a hybrid model of education, that inculcates the spirit of innovation. The misconception that TVET targets underachievers has resulted in the prestige and compensation structure being subpar in comparison to developed countries. Additionally, benefits normally enjoyed in the corporate sectors are either not accessible or available at a higher cost. IAMT’s mission, therefore, is to provide holistic, authentic, relevant, technical vocational skills training that supports trainee development, that contributes to the economic vitality of our communities. This goal will be realized by our offerings of certificate/ diploma courses (equivalent to Leve1 – 3 vocational standards) as an International Pivot Point Partner school and short modular courses, accreditation Beauty Industry Approval, from the United Kingdom. At the end of the diploma programmes our graduates will also be equipped with the basic practical tools required to jumpstart their own careers.