Bringing together leaders from government, industry and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the visit provided an opportunity to share ideas, strengthen new relationships and explore how skills systems can support economic growth and create opportunities for people and businesses.

The delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth, Skills and Information (MOEYSI), HEART/NSTA Trust, the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the Masterbuilders Association and the Inter-American Development Bank. Among those attending were Honourable Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of MOEYSI, alongside senior leaders responsible for education, workforce development and investment.

Throughout the visit, colleagues from across NOCN Group shared the organisation's experience of working with governments, employers and training providers to develop high-quality skills solutions that respond to local labour market needs while maintaining internationally recognised standards.

Discussions highlighted NOCN Group's work across more than 30 countries and explored how vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, quality assurance, skills passports and competency schemes can help build confident learners, productive workforces and stronger economies. The delegation also heard about the organisation's growing work in construction, engineering, green skills, employability and life skills, as well as the opportunities technology and artificial intelligence are creating within education and assessment.

The conversations were less about individual products and more about shared ambitions. Across the day, delegates and NOCN Group colleagues discussed the importance of creating clear progression pathways, engaging employers in skills development and ensuring education systems remain responsive to the changing needs of industry.

The visit to NOCN Group marks the beginning of a wider programme across South Yorkshire. During their time in the region, the delegation will also visit Sheffield College, Sheffield City Council, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Skills Team and Barnsley College, alongside other organisations.

Together, the programme offers an opportunity to see how education providers, local government, employers and awarding organisations work together to develop skills, support local growth and create opportunities for learners.

As an international educational charity, NOCN Group believes collaboration is central to tackling global skills challenges. While every country has its own priorities and education system, sharing knowledge, learning from different approaches and building lasting partnerships can help strengthen skills provision for the future.

NOCN Group would like to thank the Jamaican delegation for taking the time to visit and looks forward to continuing the conversations and relationships that have started during the delegation's visit to the UK.