Jamaica’s Human Development Agency
About HEART
The Human Employment and Resource Training /National Service Training Agency Trust (HEART/NSTA Trust), known to most Jamaicans simply as ‘HEART’ is Jamaica’s leading human capital development agency.
For over four decades, we have been the largest provider of Technical Vocational Education and Training in Jamaica and the Caribbean. We focus on practical, competency-based training which empowers trainees to transition seamlessly into real workplace scenarios.
Who We Are
HEART exists to build and sustain a globally-competitive Jamaican labour force, responsive to the demands and complexities of the modern workplace. We are passionate about creating a Jamaican workforce, trained and certified at international standards, who can improve Jamaica’s national productivity and competitiveness.
What We Do
We provide skilled and competent workers through our institutional-based training programmes or through our ‘on-the-job’ training approaches such as the National Service Corps, and School-Leaver Training Opportunity Programme. We also provide employers with customized workforce solutions for their businesses.
For individuals, we provide the following services:
- Assessment, training and certification
- Work experience
- Volunteering and mentorship opportunities
- Adult continuing education
- Career mentorship and guidance
- Professional development services
- Start-up funding for small business
Our programme suites are carefully crafted to address the training needs of a wide spectrum of young prospective Jamaican employees and entrepreneurs, as well as employees already incorporated within the Jamaican workforce.
VISION
A skilled, empowered and transformed citizenry for service, nation building and global impact.
MISSION
To support holistic development through Technical Vocational Education and Training, lifelong learning and national service, empowering individuals to realize their full potential and contribute to nation building.
Core Values
In executing our mandate, we ascribe to the core values of:
- Respect
- Care
- Relevance
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Quality
- Accountability
- Customer Focus
Our Story
THE HEART Trust/NTA was established in 1982 by former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga. In a bid to satisfy the demand for solutions to the persistent problem of underdevelopment in the country, Seaga, during the Budget Debate on April 22, 1982, announced that one of his priorities was that of creating a skills-training and employment programme for Jamaicans.
2021 – 2022 Annual Report
The HEART Trust/NTA has just completed one of the most important chapters in its history as during the review period, the Trust was strategically streamlined to ensure that its operations supported the Government’s economic growth strategy.