The paper begins with an analysis of the impact of vocational education in Jamaica over the past 30 years. A critical look was taken of the two periods of major interventions in Jamaica: the introduction of the grades 10 and 11 programme in 1974 and the introduction of the HEART Trust in 1982. The article advances the view that vocational education in Jamaica has failed to have the required impact in preparing a workforce to respond adequately to issues of employment, productivity and efficiency.

This paper emanates from an examination of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems in Jamaica. The study was grounded on the assertion that fundamental to nation states achieving global competitiveness, is the existence of appropriate HCD institutions and programmes. The study sought to assess the effectiveness of the TVET system from a policy intent standpoint. It was undertaken using qualitative research methodology and case study method. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to gather data.