Skills for work and life

The Human Employment and Resource Training/National Service and Training Agency Trust known to most Jamaicans simply as ‘HEART’, is a key driver on Jamaica’s road to development. Formed in 1982 and restructured by the amended HEART Acts of 1991 and 2019, the Organisation focuses primarily on stimulating economic growth and job creation. The 2019 amendment merged the functions of the Human Employment and Resource Training Trust with the National Youth Service, the Apprenticeship Board and the Jamaican Foundation for Lifelong Learning. This merger has resulted in the integration and rationalization of programmes and services, consolidation and optimization of functions and workspaces, expanded access to training, certification, mentorship and job placement opportunities, particularly for the unemployed, untrained and uncertified.

The National Service Training Agency (NSTA) is the central hub for TVET activities in Jamaica. The agency oversees the training of over 120,000 trainees in 14 economic sectors annually and is concerned with improving the image of TVET across the country, is active in the preparation and certification of the Jamaican workforce and is responsible for the coordination, funding and development of TVET institutions and programmes to contribute to the development of skilled labour force.

The HEART/NSTA provides technical assistance support to Caribbean countries in the establishment of their NTAs and the implementation of their CVQs.

The HEART NSTA Trust works in close collaboration with industry groups to ensure relevant training programmes are developed and implemented to facilitate articulation in the national training system and to equip trainees for the world of work.

The vision of the NSTA is ‘A globally competitive workforce impacting nation building through human capital development.’ Its mission is to facilitate and ensure the development of human capital.