In a significant move to preserve Trinidad and Tobago’s musical heritage, the Government has launched the Steelpan Tuner Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at training the next generation of tuners.
At the Launch of the Programme on Friday, Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon emphasised the importance of ensuring that citizens are equipped with opportunities for economic and social growth.
Described as a pioneering initiative, she said the Steelpan Tuner Apprenticeship Programme addresses the urgent need to preserve and revive the artform.
“This programme, at a cost of $1.95 million, has been designed to ensure that the next generation of tuners is trained in the authentic and meticulous methods of this vital craft and can carry forward the knowledge, traditions, and skills necessary to sustain the industry. This programme is not just about teaching a trade. It’s about preserving and nurturing an artform that is central to our cultural identity and has significant economic potential.”
Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said the programme, as part of training within the non-energy sector, will boost the economic potential of the country’s national instrument.
“Our Government is continuing to pursue a holistic approach to developing the steelpan industry by assisting steelpan manufacturers in boosting exports and accessing new markets, creating a governance structure for long-term growth and development, and building capacity, as we are with the Tuner Apprenticeship Programme.”
Under the tutelage of Master Tuners, the first cohort of 15 citizens between the ages of 17 and 35 will participate in the two-year programme and will be introduced to various courses, including Music Theory, and Design and Construction.
In the second year, participants will be assigned to tuners to engage in the fundamental aspects of steelpan manufacturing, tuning, and blending, as they prepare for and participate in the Carnival season and Panorama competition with established steelbands.
Chief Executive Officer of the National Carnival Commission, Keiba Jacob-Mottley, said the potential of this opportunity is priceless.
“I think this initiative is very, very good for all of us, for us as a country. It’s very good that the Steelpan Steering Committee, and I appeared before the Steelpan Steering Committee, I felt like it was a JSC, like a Joint Select Committee of Parliament. They grilled me, but it really, it’s really good as well to see that you have these Steering Committees, and they actually produce something, and that we’re actually implementing it, you know, so, because a lot of times it’s just, sometimes we feel it’s talk, you know, but to see that conversation turn into action today, so I’m really, really happy.”
President of MIC-IT Professor Clement Imbert said Secondary School students who have attained Steelpan Tuning at the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) level will be given first priority, then members of steelbands. He emphasised that participants must have experience in playing the steelpan. A $2,000 stipend is also offered to successful apprentices.
Classes for the Steelpan Tuner Apprenticeship Programme will be held at the MIC-IT Laventille Technology Centre and are expected to begin at the end of April 2025.