During May and June 2017, the International Trade Council (ITC) and TEPA embarked on an initiative that would see a contingent on Saint Lucians across the public and private sector business community trained in the use of ITC tools and research methods. The e-Course lasting six weeks was taught online through a series of video tutorials, webinars and case studies, with each successful participant receiving a certificate at the end of the course.
Lydia, a course participant said, “It was indeed an excellent course which promoted critical thinking and analysis. I’m grateful to my TEPA colleagues for this initiative!! They do such great work. I will definitely be using the tools to get data to use in my work. I’m also encouraged by the responses from my peers…”
The course consisted of 4 weeks of video lectures, accompanied by comprehensive exercises based on Saint Lucia’s trade data and also short quizzes to ensure that knowledge was fully acquired by participants. Practical exercises were available for participants to practice and gain familiarity with the ITC tools. The last 2 weeks of the e-course were devoted to individual home assignments where participants demonstrated their mastery of ITC tools as well as their analytical skills developing their own analysis.
Thirty-four (34) participants enrolled in the course, of which seventeen were women. Sixteen participants were from the public sector with the remaining 18 from the private sector.
Eighteen 18 participants successfully completed their final assessment with a grade of 70% or higher based on ITC’s evaluation, as well as the review submitted anonymously by 3 peers.
The course was well received and participants rated highly the delivery and material. A presentation ceremony will be held at TEPA offices where participants will receive the certificates.