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The National Training Agency (NTA) is a state agency under the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training. It is the central standardising body responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering the National Training System for TVET, which supports national workforce development.
The primary purpose of the National Training Agency (NTA) is to develop, coordinate, and quality assure Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Trinidad and Tobago so that citizens are equipped with industry-relevant skills and nationally recognized certification.
The National Training Agency (NTA) itself primarily serves as the coordinating and quality assurance body for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Trinidad and Tobago. While the NTA may facilitate certain programmes and initiatives, much of the actual training is delivered through approved training providers, institutions, schools, and industry partners.
The National Training Agency (NTA) was established to develop a standardised and quality-driven Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system in Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring citizens gain industry-relevant skills and nationally recognized certification for employment and workforce development.
The various departments of the NTA work to achieve the agency’s goals; Research Planning and Development, Programme Development and Management, Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Occupational Standards, Human Resource and Business Development and Communication.
The NTA is a proud member of the UNESCO UNEVOC Network, and the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA).
Other affiliates include The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT), College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTATT), Metal Industries Company Institute of Technology (MIC-IT), National Energy Skills Centre Technical Institute (NESC-TI), the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), the University of the West Indies (UWI), the Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP).
The National Training Agency (NTA) is the coordinating and quality assurance body for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Trinidad and Tobago. The NTA develops standards, approves training centres, and supports certification systems to ensure TVET programmes meet industry and national workforce needs.
Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ)
An award, recognised within CARICOM, which represents the achievement of a set of competencies that define the core work practices of an occupational area.
Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualification (TTNVQ)
A competency-based qualification, recognized in Trinidad and Tobago, candidate’s performance is assessed against a set of competencies.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Assessment of skills acquired by experience or exposure to a particular field of knowledge or occupation leading to certification of the TTNVQ/CVQ qualifications.
Workforce Assessment Centre (WAC)
A skills assessment and recognition facility designed to enable access to and participation in skills development opportunities, using a system of PLAR to assess and certify competencies gained through non-formal learning means.
TVET Career Guidance
Guides individuals make informed career choices by identifying technical and vocational pathways aligned with their skills, interests, and labour market opportunities.
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance ensures that training and assessment systems meet established standards for quality, consistency, and credibility. Through monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement, it maintains the integrity of qualifications and workforce development programmes.
Centre Approval
The process by which the NTA ensures that a training provider has the quality management systems needed to deliver training leading to the award of TTNVQ/CVQ and other TVET certifications.
Programme Approval
A quality assurance process that ensures TVET programmes meet national occupational standards and industry requirements for competency-based training.
Development of Occupational Standards
Developing National Occupational Standards (NOS) is a collaborative process that defines the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for effective job performance. Developed with industry input, NOS serve as benchmarks for training, assessment, certification, and workforce development across sectors.
NOS Database
An online platform that provides free access to National Occupational Standards (NOS) and competency-based information for occupations across various sectors.
Labour Market Research
Captures both demand and supply-side labour market information that informs and guides TVET-related strategic planning and decision making. This information aids in the identification of skills required by employers, job vacancies and emerging labour trends.
TVET Control Centre (TVET CC)
An online database and registry managed by the NTA. It serves as a centralized hub for managing skills training, vocational assessments, and official certifications.
National Apprenticeship
The National Apprenticeship Programme is a work-based learning initiative that combines on-the-job training with structured instruction to develop industry-relevant skills and nationally or regionally recognised certification. Participating employers can also benefit from approved tax incentives.
An association of National Training Agencies and other TVET apex bodies in CARICOM states.
Please feel free to call or visit the National Training Agency (NTA) for further information.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – Education or training which provides learners with the technical and core skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to enter the world of work.