Developments in Technical Education in the British Caribbean, 1940-60.

Overview & Synopsis

The paper discusses developments in technical education in the British West Indies from 1940-1960 emphasizing the relation between education and economic development. The objective is to analyze the economic basis of progress in technical education. The document is presented in four chapters. Chapter I summarizes historical background prior to 1940, noting causes of frustration in efforts to develop technical education such as the economic weakness of the area and a tendency to value classical education more than technical education. Chapter II views growth in the economy and education during World War II, discussing British and American contributions to technical education, effects of wartime economy on industrial growth and unemployment, and the impact of that growth on technical education. Chapter III outlines post-war trends and developments, including the establishment of institutes of technology and technical high schools, the impact of rapid urbanization and industrialization on the need for technical education, its accompanying growth in status, improvement of apprenticeship conditions and training, increased involvement by industrial companies, and mounting demand for skills education. Conclusions in Chapter IV reemphasize the influence of economic factors on education, changing attitudes toward technical education, and efforts made to relate education to the needs of the islanders. Recommendations include offering more trade training, short courses, and scholarships for teacher training, establishing technical education centers in the smaller islands, and developing regional technical education centers. (CK)