The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has recognized the importance of developing its human capital base as part of its strategy for sustainable economic development. As such, OECS member countries have collectively embarked on education reform. Human capital formation is derived from a production function engaging monetary inputs and as such, the production of human capital must be undertaken giving much thought to the financial constraints.

This paper addresses the role of technical vocational education and training (TVET) in economic development for both national and regional development. Also addressed are the key features of TVET for economic development as a tool for all people, and the benefits of TVET. It is argued that TVET can play a critical role in economic growth and sustainability.

Caribbean countries need to work their way out of debt. Most Caribbean economies continue to rely on tourism. In a few countries, oil and natural gas underpin the economy. The financial services industry, which had helped to bolster some of these economies, has shrunk in recent years. Graduates with engineering degrees continue to have severe challenges in finding employment in their field within the Caribbean region. This human resource, for the most part, is wasted.