Computer Programming Training for Development of Tobago's ICT Sector

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This project supports private sector development, which is identified as a priority in the Bank's current Country Strategy Paper for Trinidad and Tobago. The objective of the project is to pilot the commercial delivery of programming skills of graduates of EFOT's computer programming training program completed in June 2005. Graduates of the 1 year programming course have entered a nine month "practicum" in which they will, under supervision of their instructor undertake a series of programming assignments including some from locally based SMEs to test the application of their training in commercial service delivery. Course participants successfully completing the practicum will be recruited by a locally registered consulting firm (SMAT Tobago), which will continue to provide programming services on a commercial basis. The project also seeks to pilot new type of business activity in Tobago by establishing offshore programming capacity via SMAT Tobago. This type of business opportunity is complementary to Tobago's existing focus on tourism with no negative environmental impact and good prospects for youth employment. The SMAT Tobago firm together with EFOT offers young persons alternate opportunities to train for and work in the knowledge economy without leaving the island.