Welcome to the HEART/NSTA Trust — your gateway to a brighter future!
The world today is looking for individuals who are going to lead and change the future, and that is exactly how HEART prepares Individuals. HEART endeavors 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.
We offer a wide range of programmes and services designed to equip you with employable skills, formal certification, career development, and lifelong learning opportunities. Whether you’re starting out, upskilling, or reskilling, we’re here to help you succeed in the world of work.
What’s in it for you (Benefits)?
- Career Readiness: Gain skills and knowledge for your future career.
- Diverse Programmes: Explore technical, vocational, and academic options.
- Life Skills Development: Improve adaptability and employability.
- Networking: Connect with professionals and peers.
- Personal Growth: Access specialized jobs and higher earning potential.
Our Application Process
How do I apply?
Applicants may apply online via the Online Application Portal or by dropping off a completed printed application form at a Parish Office. MustKnows:
- Applications are closed when the deadline has expired
- Offering/Course is full when the quota is met
- Printed applications are not accepted after the application deadline.
- Applicant will be required to confirm an email verification code by the email provided on the printed application form, or if the applicant is unable to complete this task, an officer will schedule an online application session (Virtual or In-Person).
How to complete an Online Application Form- Video Link (From HEART TV) | Click Here
- Search and select offering on the HEART Website or NDAR
- Choose Training Provider and select continue to the application
- Complete Section A-E and submit the application form
How to complete and submit Printed Application Form- Download Printed Application Form
- Identify offering /Programme
- Complete Section Section A-C: Required fields competed
- Complete Section Section D: Required supporting documents
- Scan/Print supporting documents
- Complete Section Section E: Required declaration checked/selected
- Drop off completed printed application form at a Parish Office. Once fully completed the receiving officer complete and return receipt to applicant.
What is an incomplete application?
Applications without following is deemed “incomplete”
- Section A-C: Required fields competed
- Section D: Required supporting documents attached/uploaded
- Section E: Required declaration checked/selected
Our Screening and Career Assessment Process
3 Types of Screening Assessments
Diagnostic Assessment
(4 - 15 days)
The diagnostic assessment is done to determine grade 9 education function level. Assessments are administered at approved test sites such as the parish office, online and assessment centres.
Placement Test
(4 - 12 days)
TABE – Test of Adult Basic Education
assess applicants for education placement in the Adult Basic Education/HSDE Programme. Locator Test is first administered to followed by the required TABE- Survey Test.
Career Assessment
(30 - 120 minutes)
Career Assessment (Psychometric) is mandatory for all first-time applicants. Information from the career assessments enables the alignment of the applicant’s potential, interest, and career aspirations with training and development opportunities.
#MustKnows
- Career Assessment mandatory for first-time applicants.
- Diagnostic Assessment must be completed by first-time applicants without a qualification- *subjected to the minimum entry requirement
- Screening assessments may be done virtually (online), mobile (roving facility, or mobile application), or via approved physical location.
Our Admissions, Registration and Placement Process
Evaluation of Applications for Admission
Applications for admission are assessed against admission criteriascreening information. entry requirements, course prerequisites, specific requirement. and the required supporting documents. Application for admission may be canceled should the information declared be false.
Notification of Admissions Outcome
All applicants (successful and unsuccessful) are notified via email and/or SMS of the admissions outcome. A letter of admission is sent to successful applicants, and a letter is sent unsuccessful applicant with reason for non-acceptance. Should the applicant decline an offer for any reason, status is updated to Application Cancelled within ll business days of the offer letter date.
Registration
After acceptance, applicants are registered during the registration period. The registration end 20 days of the offering start date. Should the applicant decide not to register the applicant status is updated to Registered-Deferred or Application Cancelled within 21 days after the offering start date.
#MustKnows
- General admissions for programmes is three (3) times per year:-Intake Period-May, September, and January.
- Admission must start at least 2-3 months before the start date
- Applications for admission will be assessed against admission criteria- screening information, entry requirements, course prerequisites, specific requirements, and the required supporting documents.
- Where capacity restrictions, the applicant is Shortlisted and a provisional letter of admission for future intake will be generated. This letter is valid for the next scheduled cohort of the letter date.
- Applicant who decline offer their application will cancelled within 10 business days of the offer letter date.
Work-Based Learning
Evaluation of Applications for Admission and Placement
Applications for admission are assessed against admission criteria- screening information,entry requirements, and the required supporting documents. Interview (if required)
- Workforce-Employed/Self-employed with experience
- Traineeship and HOPE-NSCMinimum Entry Requirement
Notification of Admission and Placement Outcome
- Workforce-Employers- In-Company Coordinator- is notify of Applications process once processed
- Traineeship and HOPE-NSCApplicants “Ready” must be recommended to the employer using a letter of introduction.
Registration
After acceptance, applicants must be registered.
- WBL-Register/map an applicant to an available offering and Firm
- Contract Registration (if applicable)
- WBL-applicant or
parent/guardian and the employer must sign the WBL - Officer must submit the signed contract to the Apprenticeship Unit for registration
- WBL-applicant or
What We Offer
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment is a process by which individuals are assessed based on the evidence from experience, achievements, or work. Prior Learning refers to the learning experiences gained in an occupational area over a period. These experiences may result from involvement in a formal learning environment such as training institutions, workshops, seminars, conferences and workplace (paid or voluntary) or from an informal environment such as self-directed study, research, personal projects and self-employment.
The evidence for prior learning assessment is presented in the form of a portfolio or Challenge Test. Once the applicant provides evidence of competence to prove he/she successfully met the specified criteria, he/she will be awarded a certification. This involves the assessment of a full range of an individual’s knowledge, skills and attitudes as they relate to an occupational area and the acknowledgment of these according to the level of performance determined by industry.
Benefits of Prior Learning Assessment:
- provides the opportunity for assessing current competence based on work experience, education, and life experiences
- eliminates the need to “return to the classroom” for competencies already gained and so minimises the time spent away from work.
- provides the opportunity to have knowledge and skill gaps identified
- reduces the time needed to obtain formal qualifications
- Eligibility: Age 17+, applicants who have three (3) years or more experience, within the last seven (7) years, and can provide evidence of prior learning (workplace documents, testimonials, certificates, portfolio), or experience in the occupational area of interest/offering. Must have a valid working email address and mobile phone number.
- Access: Applicants may apply online via the Online Application Portal OR by dropping off a completed printed application form at a HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices. Available at HEART/ NSTA Trust Institutions.
- Applicant must complete the online or printed application form and submit supporting documents (Proof of age- Copy of National ID/Birth Certificate/Passport/Driver’s License, Copy of Tax Registration Number (TRN), Passport Size Photo).
- Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline or extension date. The applicant will be required to confirm an email verification code using the email address provided on the online/printed application form. If unable to complete this task, the applicant must schedule an online application session (Virtual or In-Person).
- An individual must be able to demonstrate/show evidence such as workplace documents, testimonials, certificates, or demonstrations to substantiate a claim of competence attained through prior learning.
- Cost: Free -Levels 1-4
- Awards: Printed/Digital certificates [NVQ-J/CVQ Certificate, Job Certificate]
Career Advisory Services
HEART’s Careers Advisory Services can help you make career decisions throughout your life. From aligning your interests and career aspirations with training and development opportunities to exploring job opportunities that are right for you. Schedule your Career Assessment and Exploration session.
Our career assessments enable the alignment of the individual’s potential, interests, and career aspirations with training and development opportunities. You will take in-depth career assessments to develop a profile and help discover personality, interests, skills, and values. The assessment results are used to explore development and job opportunities, and plan a career that is right for you
- Eligibility: Age 17+, individual must have a valid working email address and mobile phone number
- Access: Contact or visit our HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices to schedule a session.
- Duration: Career Assessment -up to 120 minutes and Career Exploration-up to 40 minutes,
- Cost: Free
- Service Standards: 90% enquiries responded to within 2 workdays, 80% of career assessment (personality, interests, skills and values) scheduled within 5-15 minutes, 80% of Career Assessment results analysed within 15-30 minutes.
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) programme serves individuals who want to improve their basic skills in reading, writing, math, listening, and speaking. ABE is designed to provide educational opportunities leading to basic literacy, employment, postsecondary education, and training. Applicants enrolling in ABE will acquire academic and workforce readiness skills at the functional literacy level or higher, which are necessary to pursue a NVEQ-J or Tertiary certificate. This programme is divided into Educational Functioning Levels (EFLs):
- Basic (1-6) [Basic Literacy (K-1)- Stage Literacy
- Basic Literacy (2-3)- Stage Easy
- Basic Literacy (4-6)- Stage Medium]
- Intermediate (7-9)- Stage Difficulty
- Proficiency (10-11)- Stage Advanced.
Eligibility: Age 17+, Individual must have a valid working email address and mobile phone number, not be enrolled in school, and complete the Placement Test- TABE – Test of Adult Basic Education.
Access: Applicants may apply online via the Online Application Portal OR by dropping off a completed printed application form at a HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices.
- Applicant must complete the online or printed application form and submit supporting documents (Proof of age- Copy of National ID/Birth Certificate/Passport/Driver’s License, Copy of Tax Registration Number (TRN), Passport Size Photo).
- Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline.
- The applicant will be required to confirm an email verification code using the email address provided on the online/printed application form. If unable to complete this task, the applicant must schedule an online application session (Virtual or In-Person).
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Cost: Free
- Awards: Adult Basic Education Certificates/High School Diploma Equivalency
Service Standards: 90% enquiries responded to within 2 workdays and 80% applications assessed within 30 workdays
Institution-Based Training
Institution-based training takes place in accredited HEART TVET institutions or Colleges. It is purposefully designed to catalyse the trainee into a state of readiness for the workforce with technical training, employment readiness, employability skills and work study. Courses are predominantly delivered blended (face-to-face and online/virtual) and can be done full-time or part-time
- Eligibility: Age 17+, Individual must have a valid working email address and mobile phone number, meet entry requirements-Click here or achieve grade 9 level score in Diagnostic Assessment.
- Access: Applicants may apply online via the Online Application Portal OR by dropping off a completed printed application form at a HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices.
- Applicant must complete the online or printed application form and submit supporting documents (Proof of age- Copy of National ID/Birth Certificate/Passport/Driver’s License, Copy of Tax Registration Number (TRN), Passport Size Photo). Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline.
- The applicant will be required to confirm an email verification code using the email address provided on the online/printed application form. If unable to complete this task, the applicant must schedule an online application session (Virtual or In-Person).
- Duration: 6 weeks to 30 months
- Cost: Free for NVQ-J/CVQ Levels 1–4, Job Qualifications, or Customised courses.
- Awards: Printed/Digital certificates [NVQ-J/CVQ Certificate, Job Certificate, or Customised Certificate]
- Service Standards: Completion timelines vary by programme and level (6 weeks to 30 months)
Community-Based Training
Community Training Interventions are Partners/External Training Providers of the HEART/NSTA Trust and are legally registered entities. The courses offered range from NVQ-J/CVQ levels 1-4, Job Qualifications, customised, and City & Guilds, which are determined by the labour market trends. Courses are predominantly delivered blended (face-to-face and online/virtual) and can be done full-time or part-time.
- Eligibility: Age 17+, valid working email address, mobile phone number, and meet entry requirements-Click here. You may also complete the Diagnostic Assessment at approved test sites to determine the grade 9 education function level, where applicable.
- Access: Applicants may apply online via the Online Application Portal OR by dropping off a completed printed application form at the External Training Providers’ location
- Applicant must complete the online or printed application form and submit supporting documents (Proof of age- Copy of National ID/Birth Certificate/Passport/Driver’s License, Copy of Tax Registration Number (TRN), Passport Size Photo). Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline or extension date.
- The applicant will be required to confirm an email verification code using the email address provided on the online/printed application form. If unable to complete this task, the applicant must schedule an online application session (Virtual or In-Person).
- Duration: 6 weeks to 30 months
- Cost: Free
- Awards: NVQ-J/CVQ, Job or Customised Certificates
- Service Standards: Completion timelines vary by programme and level (6 weeks to 30 months)
Work-Based Learning (WBL)
Work-based learning (WBL) encompasses a diverse range of educational approaches that allow individuals to immerse themselves in real-world work environments. Each type (pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and internships) has its unique characteristics.
- Pre-Apprenticeship: 6–12 months –provides foundational training, equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge before they embark on formal apprenticeship placements
- Empowerment Programme- Persons aged 17 – 34 years with mild intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities. Applicants may drop off a completed printed application form at the HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices.
- HOPE National Service Corps Programme- Offered to unattached youth between the ages of 17 and 29- Applicants may drop off a completed printed application form at a HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices.
- Special Intervention- Special Project-based or Partnership intervention with private/public organizations targeting specific national challenges/opportunities. Applicants may drop off a completed printed application form at the HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices.
- Formal Apprenticeship: 1–4 years-provides a unique blend of practical on-the-job training and structured classroom instruction that typically leads to recognised qualifications for individuals seeking to master a trade or craft
- Registered Apprenticeship Programme (RAP)- Age of 17 + who have completed secondary education at a minimum grade 9 level. Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline or extension date. Applications are accepted during the intake period
- School Leavers’ Training Opportunities Programme (SLTOP) -Recent school leavers (ages 17-23) with 2+ CXC/GCE passes or equivalent. Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline or extension date. Applications are accepted during the intake period
- Internships: 3 weeks to 6 months- provides temporary work placement that provides youths ages 17-29 with little or no working experience to apply their learning in a workplace
- HOPE Youth Summer Work Programme- Youths ages 17-29 and mild PWDs age 17-34. Applicants may apply online via the Summer Portal. Applications are accepted during the intake period- July, August, September
- Graduate Work Experience Programme- Graduates ages 17-29 with little or no working experience. Applicants may apply by dropping off a completed printed application form at the HEART/ NSTA Trust Parish Offices. Printed Application is not accepted after the application deadline or extension date. Applications are accepted during the intake period.
- Pre-Apprenticeship: 6–12 months –provides foundational training, equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge before they embark on formal apprenticeship placements
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