Over 30 Chainsaw Operators to Receive Advanced Certification Under VEEP
More than 30 experienced operators from across Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will soon enhance their technical skills through a Level 2 Chainsaw Operations and Maintenance training programme at the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level.
This initiative is being implemented under the Volcanic Eruption Emergency Project (VEEP), in collaboration with the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (BRAGSA), the Forestry Division within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, and the National Qualifications Department in the Ministry of Education.
According to information introduced on Monday July 20, at the orientation ceremony at the Forestry Division’s Headquarters in Campden Park, participants will complete up to 60 hours of competency-based training, combining classroom instruction with practical field exercises.
The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ knowledge of advanced chainsaw operation, maintenance, repair and occupational safety while ensuring they meet nationally-recognised certification standards.
The training builds upon the participants’ existing experience by reinforcing industry best practices and nationally-recognised occupational standards. Upon successful completion, participants will earn an NVQ Level II certification, further strengthening the country’s pool of qualified chainsaw operators available to support forestry operations, infrastructure maintenance, emergency response, and disaster recovery efforts.
The initiative reflects VEEP’s continued commitment to ensure that improved command and control systems are in place and building national resilience by investing in skills development and strengthening the human resource capacity required to respond effectively to natural hazards and other emergencies.
