IWED Sets July Kingston Forum on Workforce Skills Alignment and National Development

The Institute for Workforce Education and Development (IWED), a subsidiary of Manpower and Maintenance Services Limited (MMS), will stage a Corporate Consultation on Workforce Alignment for National Development, Profitability and Sustainability with business leaders and other stakeholders at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston on July 1, 2026.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnell Charles Jr., will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include Minister without Portfolio with Responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Ambassador Audrey Marks, and Opposition Spokesperson on Education, Mr. Damian Crawford, MP, among others.

MMS Group Chief Executive Officer Don Gittens said the gathering is intended to unite decision-makers from across sectors. "will bring together leaders, stakeholders, and experts from various industries to share insights and discuss effective strategies for workforce training and alignment in keeping with their organisational goals and Jamaica's overall development. It is important for the leaders in industry and commerce to implement measures to align workforce skills with organisational needs."

Gittens pointed to a gap between classroom completion and workplace readiness. "Having completed their courses of study, many graduates are seeking to enter the workforce, but there is an observable deficiency as too many employees lack the right skills to survive and thrive in the workplace and contribute meaningfully to the organisations they serve. This has implications for productivity and growth," he said.

He argued that employee growth and commercial success depend on matching workers' expectations, training programmes, and job demands. "Training strategies must be formulated to respond to employees' needs as well as the needs of the organisation," he added.

Acting Principal of IWED Dianne Harris said concern is mounting in multiple industries about workers' skill levels and readiness. She stressed the need for "proper needs assessment to determine skill levels, gaps, matching training needs to company goals, customising training to fit specific needs and ensuring that employees as well as management are engaged in the overall process. This is IWED's primary mission."

Harris noted that IWED was launched as Manpower's response to the demand for staff who can perform efficiently on the job and has since developed into a training institution focused on closing skills gaps and preparing employees to work across sectors and at different levels.

Those attending the consultation will be able to share observations, take part in panel discussions and other interactive sessions, network, and form strategic partnerships to improve organisational performance and productivity. Invitations have gone out to representatives of private and public sector organisations, trade associations, and educational and other institutions.

Agenda items include Corporate Jamaica's Workforce Challenges; the Impact of a trained Workforce on Economic Development, Profitability and Sustainability; Youth Unemployment and Engagement; and Learning in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Leading training-related organisations, including HEART/NSTA Trust, the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ), the National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET), E-Learning Jamaica, and the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC), will also join a panel discussion on IWED's role in Training and Certification for National Development.