Education Minister Daryll Matthew has called for greater efforts to keep young men engaged in education, pointing to investment in technical and vocational programmes as one way to expand their opportunities.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Matthew expressed concern about what he sees as lower male participation in further education, based on his observations of graduating classes.

“We’re losing our young men,” he said. “That is an area where we need intervention.”

Matthew did not provide enrolment or graduation figures comparing men and women. His comments came during a wider discussion about youth violence, family support and access to education.

The minister said investment in the Harrison Centre forms part of efforts to attract more students into skilled trades, including plumbing, masonry, carpentry, electrical work and mechanics.

He argued that those skills would help people remain competitive as artificial intelligence and other technologies change the workplace.

Matthew said the emphasis on technical education was intended both to reach more young men and to meet the country’s need for skilled workers.

“We’re looking at all aspects of education to see how we can not only build out our society with trained persons, but how we can capture more boys into the net of education, whether technical education or otherwise,” he said.

He also outlined a proposed partnership under which a construction company would provide annual grants to support trades training at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies. The agreement was nearing signature at the time of the broadcast.

Responding to a listener who called for greater recognition of vocational careers, Matthew said officials were also discussing rebranding the Harrison Centre to make its technical and vocational focus clearer.

He described that as another step in changing perceptions of the institution and highlighting opportunities for people who want to pursue trades.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: More support needed to keep young men in education in Antigua and Barbuda, Matthew says.