Over $359m for Global Services Skills Project implementation

MORE THAN $359 million has been earmarked to continue the implementation of the Global Services Skills (GSS) Project during fiscal year 2024/25.

The Project aims to promote the Global Services Sector’s (GSS) growth in Jamaica, particularly in higher value-added segments.

It specifically intends to provide the sector with better skilled workers and increase Jamaica’s institutional capacity to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and increase exports.

Details of the provision are outlined in the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

For the upcoming year, the programmed buildout of space for the Portmore incubator to support the technology innovation district is slated to commence.

Capacity building for firms participating in the district is also scheduled to be conducted.

There have been several achievements under the project up to December 2023.

These include the development of curricula for enhanced job readiness and digital skills; completion of a gender diagnosis study and strategy, and the Global Services Skills (GSS) 2020 Pilot programme.

The Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI) Trainthe-Trainers Phase was completed, and a Disaster Risk Management Plan and Career Pathway framework developed.

The Global Services Industry Skills Upgrade Strategy was also developed during the period.

Other projects which were completed include the execution of phase one of the national awareness campaign, and completion of phase two of the national awareness branding campaign.

The GSS Internship Programme was also completed, and additional curriculum (leadership and management) for the 2022 GSS Apprenticeship Programme was developed.

The Outsourcing Perception Survey, and the GSS 2021, 2022 and 2023 Apprenticeship Programme were also completed, while the GSS Industry Promotional Plan was implemented.

Training of approximately 6,000 new entrants by HEART/NSTA Trust under the Enhanced Job Readiness and Digital Skills curricula was executed.

Mechanisms for measuring and improving training providers’ performance were developed and delivered to HEART/NSTA Trust.

Additionally, a psychometric assessment tool to conduct evaluation of potential employees was designed and delivered, while the Smart Talent online platform was activated to support virtual engagement between employers and prospective employees.

Mechanisms for collecting employers’ feedback were also designed and delivered to HEART/ NSTA Trust.

The GSS Project is being implemented by Jamaica Promotions Corporation with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funding support.