HEART/NSTA Trust Ignites Youth Inspiration Across Jamaica with National School Tour Series.
The HEART/NSTA Trust has successfully completed a powerful series of national school tours aimed at sparking interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) among Jamaican high school students. From January to March 2025, the Trust visited six secondary schools across five parishes, bringing with it a vibrant showcase of career possibilities, hands-on experiences, and motivational stories that demonstrated the real-world power of skills training.
Spearheaded by the Community Engagement Department, the school tours formed part of the organization’s broader youth engagement and awareness campaign designed to influence career choices among students and bridge the gap between secondary education and professional certification. In each parish, HEART/NSTA Trust training institutions partnered to host exciting exhibitions, presentations, and interactive sessions, all while creating memorable and meaningful moments for the hundreds of students in attendance.
The tour officially kicked off on January 6, 2025, at Dinthill Technical High School in St. Catherine. The event was supported by the Lluidas Vale Campus and Boulevard Baptist Church Training Institute (CTI). Students were immersed in a full day of activities, beginning with an engaging “Lunch, Learn & Lyme” session in the school’s auditorium. Here, they were introduced to the broad range of training and certification opportunities available through HEART, and were treated to live demonstrations, games, prizes, and a TVET testimonial from Fashion Designer and TVET Ambassador, Melissa Moses. Moses not only shared her journey from creative passion to certified professional, but also led an interactive demonstration that gave students the chance to explore fashion design in a hands-on setting.
One week later, on February 28, 2025, the team returned to St. Catherine for a visit to Jose Marti Technical High School, supported by the Old Harbour Vocational Training Centre and Boulevard Baptist CTI. Once again, students responded with enthusiasm to the energy of the emcees, the DJ-led entertainment, and the relevant career information presented. The team also distributed branded giveaways to more than 100 students, many of whom expressed interest in applying to HEART programmes after graduation.
The following week, on March 18, 2025, the team returned to St. Catherine to host an impactful tour at Eltham High School, with support from the Ebony Park Academy and the HEART College of Construction Services. The institution teams showcased career opportunities in construction, agriculture, and hospitality. Students were encouraged to think beyond traditional career paths and to explore the world of entrepreneurship and technical professions.
The tour resumed on February 21, 2025, at Dunoon Technical High School in Kingston. This stop saw vibrant participation from the Rockfort Vocational Training Centre and Boys’ Town Vocational Training Centre, which offered live demonstrations in areas such as construction, electrical installation, and culinary arts. Students were particularly engaged with the Try-a-Skill booths, where they interacted directly with HEART trainees and instructors, gaining insight into what training looks like and how skills translate into careers.
The tour’s momentum carried westward on March 14, 2025, with a stop at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in St. James. Supported by the Granville Vocational Training Centre, this event featured an electrifying culinary demonstration by Executive Chef and TVET Ambassador Volae Williams of Jewel Grande Hotel. Chef Williams led a live session with students from the school’s Home Economics class, preparing chicken alfredo pasta while sharing his personal story of growth, determination, and success through TVET. His presence underscored the message that skills training is not just an alternative, but a launchpad to dynamic and rewarding careers.
The final stop on the tour came on March 20, 2025, at Charlie Smith High School in Kingston. The event was powered by a collaborative team from Ebony Park Academy, National Tool and Engineering Institute (NTEI), and Boys’ Town VTC. Despite being the final event, the energy was at an all-time high, with students crowding the Try-a-Skill booths and lining up to speak with HEART representatives about how to enroll and what programmes would best suit their interests.
Across all six events, over 7,000 students were engaged directly through live presentations, hands-on skill booths, and interactions with HEART staff and trainees. Students received practical career guidance, motivational support, and most importantly, an inspiring vision of what their futures could hold through skills-based education. Special thanks to the JN Foundation who partnered with the Trust to expose students to proper road safety principles and correct helmet wearing practices. The tours also featured, media interviews, and social media highlights all contributing to greater visibility and resonance with the Trust’s target audience.
Beyond information sharing, the HEART/NSTA Trust school tours were transformational. They helped to shift perceptions of TVET, provided students with viable post-secondary options, and positioned the Trust as a credible, accessible, and empowering partner in their educational journey.
The HEART/NSTA Trust remains committed to equipping young Jamaicans with the skills they need to succeed in life and in work and with the success of the 2025 School Tour Series, the Trust continues to demonstrate that #SkillsPayDiBills and that the future of TVET in Jamaica is bright.
2 Responses
I need a online programme
Good afternoon, Shantelle. Thank you for reaching out. Please visit our training website at https://ndar.heart-nta.org/programmes.aspx to view our available online programs. Kindly note that our Level 1–4 programs are free of charge. You can choose the modality that is most convenient for you.