Preparation of the youth for the world of work: The effectiveness of programmes linking education with production in the commonwealth Caribbean

Abstract

In the wake of rising youth unemployment, Third World countries have been urged to diversify their schools' curricula by introducing programmes that link education with production (EWP) in an effort to prepare the youth more effectively for the working world. This study presents a typology of EWP programmes in the Commonwealth Caribbean and examines the extent to which they have achieved their stated objectives. Although programmes in the nonformal education system appear more effective in achieving economic objectives, the author advises against a rejection of EWP programmes in the formal system and draws attention to the plight of vast numbers of youths who do not have access to such programmes.