Our Vision
ABICE will be the leading technical and vocational institution in the region providing quality learning opportunities for all persons, to acquire the knowledge, skills, ethical and professional values necessary to become creative and productive citizens.
Our Mission
To provide quality technical, vocational education and training that will enable students to achieve their greatest potential, to adapt to an ever changing world, thereby strengthening their ability to contribute to socio-economic growth both nationally and internationally.
BACKGROUND
Prior to 2005, the Youth Skills Programme, the Evening Institute and the Golden Opportunity existed separately to provide education and training for school drop outs, general education for adults up to high school and in skill areas and pregnant girls and teens who had dropped out of school. While all three entities focused on providing a second chance for those who would otherwise have fallen through the cracks, operating independently of each other was not efficient or productive. The three were then merged and renamed as the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education (ABICE) to provide a single more focused, efficient and effective service which would serve as a ladder for persons seeking to advance their education and training qualifications.
PRE-REQUISITE
ABICE caters for persons sixteen (16) years and older who for some reason or another were unable to finish secondary school (up to Grade 9) or have completed and is desirous of pursing a skill trade, public and private sector employees and by extension the general public. However, one would not be turned down if he/she does not have any pre-requisites.
It is designed to meet the needs of a changing labour force. Its purpose is: -
- To get the necessary skills and competencies required for the world of work.
- To increase the chance of upward mobility in the workplace.
- To change career path or begin a business.
- To obtain the prerequisites that would enable students to access programmes in other institutions.
- To obtain training at an affordable rate and at convenient times.
- To obtain certification after acquiring years of experience in an area of expertise.
ABICE has as part of its programme, a Job Training Exercise that is evaluated and graded at end of the training, as a final assessment for the school year. The purpose of this is to provide occupational experience of instructional value to our students. It is done for three and five months. The work activity is done under the supervision of a supervisor. Documentation includes a Time Sheet, Grade and Evaluation Sheet.