Introduction

For students, continuing eduction possibilities after PSVE toward some form of SVE/SBO (Secondary Vocational Education) on the island are few. The Island Government has decided to create opportunities for students to be able to continue to study on the island by promoting and implementing the development of SVE/SBO education level on the island.

A SBO Service Center was established to facilitate the preparation for the introduction and monitoring of SBO, and a new school will be built behind the Raoul IIlidge Sports Complex in Cay Hill which will be ready in 2010. In the meantime SBO education will start at several locations and will be coordinated by SBO Service Center.

What is Vocational Education & Training?

In St.Maarten, SBO/SVe will involve: Commercial, technical and professional training. Development of skills and competencies, and a work learning track (60% of the time in practical work, 40% of the time in the classroom).

Why is SBO important for St.Maarten?

• Until now, young graduates often had to go off island to further their education.
• There is a mismatch between education supply and the labour market. Employers require other qualifications and professions then young people are educated for or chose for.
• There was no standard level of professional vocational qualification.
• A lot of VSBO/PSVE graduates weren’t able to find consistent jobs
• Employers had to attract vocational professionals from elsewhere.

SBO/SVE Secondary Vocational Education: Who is it for?

• Youths with VSBO/PSVE diploma: all streams PBL (practical stream), PKL (bit more theoretical), TKL (old MAVO)
• Youths who don’t have a diploma (can be admitted after assessment)
• Persons that have jobs but do not have the necessary educational certificates

In school year 2008-2009 these groups can chose from several training fields that are in the process of accreditation by the Minister of Education as official SBO education. This implies that this SBO diploma means much more than just certificate. It is recognized throughout the Netherlands Antilles and the Netherlands and can be revalidated in any other island or country.

SBO/SVE Providers:

• St.Maarten Institute of Technology and Hospitality – SMITH
• Stichting Voortgezet Onderwijs – SVOBE (Sundial and MPC)
• St.Maarten Business Development Foundation – SBDF
• SIFMA

In the near future:

• University of St.Martin – USM
• St.Maarten Medical Center – SMMC
• FAVE (St. Maarten Academy)

Requirements for Registration

Entry requirments:

Level 1 = assistant
no diploma but an assessment will be required

Level 2 = assistant
no diploma but an assessment will be required

Level 3 = professional
SBO Level 2, VSBO PKL or TKL, HAVO

Level 4 = middle management
SBO level 3, VSBO – TKL, HAVO

For some courses there will be additional requirements. The providers can provide the specific information where this is concerned.
Every SBO/SVE provider will have their own registration, but registration procedures will include:

• Recent Registration form from the Civil Registry (Census office) of St.Maarten
• Certificates and diplomas or report cards
• Interview