Projects

Recent Consultancies and Technical Assistance of DPBA and Staff

NAME OF PROJECTYEARDESCRIPTION
Lions Circle Membership Survey2025This survey is designed to gather critical insights from Black men in the GTHA, focusing on their priorities, interests, and the challenges they face in seeking a supportive community. The collected data will help shape programs and initiatives that cater to their needs, ensuring that The Lions Circle continues to provide relevant and impactful services.
Saint Lucia Human Capital Resilience Project2024Conducted a Labour Market Needs Assessment of the current workforce in Saint Lucia of skills gap and potential vocational and labour needs in the main economic sectors.
Guyana National Skills Audit2024Conducted a rapid assessment of the current workforce in Guyana in skills gaps and potential migrant labour needs in six main economic sectors of oil and gas, agriculture and agro-processing, hospitality and tourism, Information and communication technologies (ICT), Financial Services , Manufacturing , and Energy and renewable energy.
KAP Study to investigate the factors that are likely impacting the decisions of Black Canadians living in Quebec2023Conducted Literature Review interrogating secondary data from Statistics Canada and other national and private databases.
The CARILEC Resiliency and Energy Efficiency Project (CAREEP)2023The main purpose of the project was to conduct a survey among energy users in the region (12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)-Aruba, Anguilla, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, The Cayman Islands, Curacao, Montserrat, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Maarten and Turks and Caicos)
Facilitation of a Leadership Course for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in TVET2023Developed institutional strategies for integrating technology in TVET training), for managers and senior staff from TVET institutions from seven (7) Caribbean countries, including Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and Suriname
Consultancy to provide advisory service to the Urban Rez Solutions INC.2022Provided advisory service to the Urban Rez Solutions INC. The Toronto East Detention Centre Project and the Toronto Metropolitan University on behalf of its unit the Future Skills Centre Project
The Black Quebecers Pension Survey (BQPS)2022Conducted survey among the Black Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC) Reported on demographics, pension participation rates, retirement savings, salary range, savings patterns, and what the types of investment instruments sourced. Access to employer-sponsored pension plans. Informed policymakers about potential policy changes to guide organisations in developing targeted initiatives to address retirement.
Conduct of a KAP Study and Review of the Canada Employment Equity Act and its impact on Black Government Employees2022Conducted statistical review of Black Government employees in Canada by Gender and Province classification, surveys of Black Government employees. Validate/invalidate hiring perceptions and attitudes of Women of Colour, Disabilities, or LGBTQ2+ Groups.
EQUIP: Psychosocial Support Services Survey, Government of Saint Lucia.
EQUIP Project
2022The Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, through the Educational Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP), will be conducting a Psychosocial Support Services Survey within the education sector in Saint Lucia.

The objective of the consultancy is to develop a framework for the establishment of gender-responsive psycho-social support services to serve the Government of Saint Lucia’s education system. The framework should include the policies, structures and human resource needs required for operationalisation.

The Consultants will perform all investigative work and analyses to realise the objectives in the Terms of Reference. They will use participatory and consultative methodologies in working closely with the Department of Education and other critical stakeholders in the sector. These will include but are not limited to principals, counsellors, teachers, students, parents, health and well-being practitioners, gender specialists in government and civil society and community leaders.

The consultancy will involve desk, fieldwork, and consultations across the basic education subsector and the health and well-being sector. The Consultant(s) will review relevant documentation on at-risk youth in St. Lucia schools, including OECS Social Risk Assessments and existing programmes that currently address the needs of troubled students.
Development of the National Qualifications of Framework of Saint Lucia.2021Developed the National Qualifications Framework of Saint Lucia, Standards for Quality Assuring qualifications in the Framework, Implementation Plan and a Promotions and Communications Strategy.
Pre-Trial Detention Study in 5 Jurist-assisted CARICOM countries.2021Judicial Reform and Institutional Strengthening (JURIST) Project. Consultancy service to gather data on Pre-Trial Detention in the CARICOM States of Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica.
Prepared for the Caribbean Court of Justice, funded by Global Affairs, Canada.
Development of Regional
Guidelines for TVET Institutions During COVID-19
2020Development of Regional
Guidelines for the Safe Re-opening of TVET Institutions in the CARICOM Region during COVID-19 and amendments to CVQ Assessments and
External Verification for CVQ Certification
and Quality Assurance.
Revision of the Regional Vocational Qualification Framework (RVQF)
2020Revision of the 5-tiered Regional Vocational Qualification Framework (RVQF) for TVET, and its alignment with the CARICOM Qualification Framework (CQF)
Project for The Regional Advancement of Statistics in The Caribbean (PRASC)
2020Conducted the Mid-term Review of the Project for the Regional Advancement of Statistics in the Caribbean (PRASC). Financed by the Canadian Government (Global Affairs) in the amount of Canadian $19.5m, and implemented by Statistics Canada in 14 Caribbean States
Training of Master Trainers
Ministry of Education and Guyana TVET Council - Guyana
2019Developed Training Programme for Master Trainers in the TVET system
Delivered Master Training the Trainers’ Course
Evaluated and Assessed participants towards the issuance of CVQ L4 Training and Development
Development of a National Quality Assurance System for TVET - St. Kitts-Nevis2019Conducted Evaluation of Quality Assurance systems in the Education and Training Sectors
Developed Quality Assurance Policy Guidelines
Developed Training Plan for Quality Assurance Officer
Trained Q.A. Officer and TVET Council on Quality Assurance in TVET
Human Trafficking CARIFORUM Region2019Comprehensive assessment of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) in the CARIFORUM region and the efforts made by states to combat trafficking.
Conducted Regional Human Trafficking Symposium
Development of a Labour Market Information System - Suriname2019Developed a Labour Market Information System with indicators for the Suriname National Training Authority
Strengthening the Operational Effectiveness of the TVET Council Secretariat2018Development of a National TVET Strategic Plan for St. Kitts-Nevis 2019 – 2026
Developing an Organisational Structure for an effective Secretariat
Establishment of Lead Groups
Training of Lead Group & Sector Councils
Development of National HR Strategic Plan - Belize2018Conducted Institutional Assessment of Universities, Colleges
and TVET Institutions
Conducted Skills Anticipation Survey
Conducted Focus group meeting with key stakeholders
Developed themes for Stretegic Plan
Developed HR Strategy
Developed Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO)
Effect of Migration on Human Resource of Health Care Workers in the Caribbean
2018Conducted focus groups discussions
Conducted interviews
Researched and collected qualitative and quanitative data on health care practitioners and health establishments throughout CARICOM member states Caribbean to determine migration rates and effects of migration on heath care industry in the Region
Presented results to PAHO Regional Office
Presented results to PAHO Headquartersin Washington, D.C. in preparation for COHSOD Meeting
Support to the Government of Suriname to Establish the Suriname National Training Authority (SNTA)2018Conducted a Labour Market Needs Assessment Study, conducted quality audits in 13 Technical Training Institutions, trained 525 individuals including Auditors, Lead Groups, Assessors, Verifiers, Quality Assurance staff, Standards and Qualification Developers, Curriculum Writers, Instructors, SNTA Board Members, Management Team, Managers and CVQ Coordinators, developed Quality Assurance Framework, Developed Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
Review of the St. Kitts-Nevis Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP) 2018Reviewed the Skills Training Empowerment Programme (STEP) in St. Kitts-Nevis towards greater efficiency and effectiveness and made recommendations for two (2) Training Options
Evaluation of the TVET Capacity of the Secondary School system in Antigua & Barbuda2017Conducted a comprehensive assessment of the TVET sector in Antigua and Barbuda, produced a National TVET Policy and Action Plan to institutionalize TVET across the system with a focus on the TVET System to award the CVQ.
Implementation of the National Qualifications Framework of Jamaica2017Conducted a series of Training Workshops with Committee members to implement and operationalize the National Qualifications of Jamaica.
Institutional Assessment and the Reorganization of the Management Operations of Technical Institutes - St. Vincent and the Grenadines2016–2017Completed the institutional assessment of the 4 Technical Institutes and made over 20 recommendations to reorganize the management and operational activities of the Technical Institutes in order for them to become more efficient, effective and sustainable.
National Skills Audit, Turks and Caicos Islands2016–2017The Company is currently in the process of conducting a National Skills audit and Migration Survey for the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Institutional Strengthening of the TVET System in Saint Lucia2016The Company conducted a literature review stakeholder meetings and over a number of days, developed a Strategic Plan for the Saint Lucia Council on TVET.
Capacity Development of TVET Professionals – Saint Lucia2016Funded by the TVET Council and the Ministry of Education, Saint Lucia, the building of the capacity of TVET professionals through the training of assessors, verifiers, and auditors for the implementation of the CVQ and Competency-Based Education and Training.
Training in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in the Community Colleges if Jama2015–2016Funded by the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ), the planning and delivery of training of CBET instructors, private training providers and Registrars in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition techniques for the CCCJ.
Capacity building of TVET in Belize2015Funded by the EU, Training of Assessors and Verifiers in Competency-Based Education and Training and training of Auditors for quality assurance of facilities towards improving the TVET system and the introduction of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification
Institutional Assessment of Training Entities in St. Kitts-Nevis2015Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, TVET institutions were assessed to evaluate the extent to which the training programmes being delivered were in alignment with labour market needs towards the restructuring of the education and training system
Labour Market Needs Assessment of the OECS2015Funded by the EU and managed by the OECS Secretariat, this project focused on supplementing and complementing the on going Monitoring and Coordination of activities regarding the implementation of the OECS Labour Force Survey in OECS Member States. The goal was to facilitate the implementation of at least one round of the OECS Labour Force Survey in the Member States.
Labour Market Needs Assessment of the OECS2015Funded by the EU and managed by the OECS Secretariat, this project focused on supplementing and complementing the on going Monitoring and Coordination of activities regarding the implementation of the OECS Labour Force Survey in OECS Member States. The goal was to facilitate the implementation of at least one round of the OECS Labour Force Survey in the Member States.
Development of a National Qualifications Framework - Belize2015Developed the National Qualifications Framework of Belize including quality assurance manuals, PLAR Manuals, and Promotions and Marketing campaign.
Developing and Implementing the National Qualifications Framework of Jamaica 2014–2015Funded by the World Bank, developed the National Qualifications Framework of Jamaica, including a Five-Year Implementation Plan, a Training Plan and a Pilot Plan
Development of a Bachelors in TVET Instructor Training Programme - Belize2014–2015Funded by the EU, the Company reviewed the Curriculum of the current programmes for TVET Instructors and developed a Bachelor's Degree Programme for the Ministry of Education Belize
Development of Operational Guidelines for the Jamaica Teaching Council2014The Company conducted a Training Needs Assessment Survey and an Institutional Capacity Survey and developed the Operational Guidelines for the Jamaica Teaching Council
CARICOM Trade & Competitiveness Project2014At the request of the Interim Authority, the Company developed a National Strategic Plan for the establishment of the Suriname National Training Authority
CARICOM Trade & Competitiveness Project(Regional) 2013–2014Funded by CIDA, this project aimed at building the capacity of 9 Member States in the Caribbean to train and deliver the Caribbean Qualifications Framework to enable the movement of skilled personnel throughout the Region. Individuals were trained as assessors, verifiers and auditors and instructors were trained to deliver Competency-based Education and Training programmes in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname.
Mapping of Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (Global) 2013Aligned Youth Work Development Standards onto the Commonwealth of Learning's Trans-National Qualifications Framework for training Youth Workers (Diplomas and Undergraduate Degrees) in post-secondary institutions and Universities in the Commonwealth Countries (54)
Professional Development of Technical and Vocational Staff of Technical Institutes (Guyana) 2012–2013Technical Assistance provided to the Government of Guyana to develop and implement strategies and programmes for the professional development of TVET staff to improve pedagogical, managerial and administrative competence and performance.

Conducted Training Needs Analysis to determine Training needs.
Developed training plan
Procured suitable training materials and resources
Planned, organized and assisted in the delivery
of training
Developed Trainers Manual
Development of A National TVET Strategy (Guyana) 2012–2013Conducted SWOT Analysis and assessed the Guyana labour force issues on manpower supply and demand, skills gaps and quality certification. Reviewed national development priorities and strategies Identified and developed Strategic Objectives and Developed National TVET Strategic and Action Plan 2013 – 2020.
Labour Market Needs Survey (St. Lucia) 2012–2013Conducted Labour Market Needs Survey to determine the skills gap for training and preparation of programmes for the youth population. Developed and administered questionnaires, conducted Focus Group Meetings, analysed data to inform training in St. Lucia.
Development of a National System of Occupational Assessment and Certification for the TVET Council of Guyana; 2011Developed policy framework for a National Occupational Assessment and Certification Scheme incorporating the CARICOM Model; Determined the appropriate competences for workforce assessment and certification; Train assesors to assess learner competences and verifiers to ensure quality within the framework; Ensured the use of best practices in occupational competency assessment and certification. Planned, organised and facilitated the implementation of a training programme to develop and administer the CVQ.
Training Needs Assessment - National Youth Service Jamaica 2011Identified the skills and training requirements to ensure optimum operations of the National Youth Service; Conducted an in-depth analysis of skills requirements for key positions within the organization and identified training courses (locally and internationally) to address the gaps identified. Conducted skills need survey to identify Training Needs requirements of staff. Conducted review of Performance Appraisal System and made appropriate recommendations.
Training of Trainers (on-going training programme delivered by the firm) (Jamaica) On-goingTrained trainers in:

Planning for Effective Training
Understanding Adult Learning
Conducting Gap and Needs Analysis
Developing and Writing Training Objectives
Developing and Using Lesson Plans
Instructing to Facilitate Learning
Methods of Teaching Skills and Information
Using Instructional Media in Training
Assessing and Measuring Performance
Integration of Information and Communication Technology in Technical Vocational Education (TVET)(St. Lucia) 2010Conducted ICT survey and reported on integrating ICTs in Priority Sectors (Agriculture, Building & construction, Information Technology, Hospitality). Developed training manual with guidelines for incorporating ICT in TVET Courses, including suggestions for integrating ICT in curriculum mapping and lesson planning; Developed a roadmap for incorporating ICT in TVET in St. Lucia; Developed report with Recommendations for Human Resource Development; Developed Draft Strategic Plan for the Integration of ICT in the TVET system in St. Lucia.
Development of a Human Resource Development Strategy for Barbados 2010Prepared the framework for human resource development linked to critical sectors of the economy to facilitate public and private sector collaboration in the provision of education, training and other human resource development initiatives; Evaluated the national system of TVET training, assessment, certification and accreditation, including quality assurance mechanisms; Evaluated the institutional framework in place to promote and support TVET training and entrepreneurship; Made recommendations for training of various groups including at-risk and vulnerable youths.
Developing a Modern Vocational Training System for Suriname (Suriname) 2009Reviewed and assessed the education and training system of Suriname Recommended and organizational structure, objectives and systems for TVET Developed Job Descriptions for staff Developed Policy and Strategic Plan with Performance Measures Facilitated Workshop with Stakeholders Developed Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms Recommended the structure of a National Training Agency for the training, assessment and certification of workers to access the Caribbean Vocational Qualification.
OAS Hemispheric Project on Basic and Labour Competencies for the Certification of Skills (Regional -Based in Trinidad &Tobago - Belize, St. Kitts/Nevis, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia) 2008Training in Curriculum Development for Competency-based Education and Training (CBET) Assessment in CBET, Development of CBET Training Manuals and Workbooks for Training Activities and development of the qualifications framework for the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications