Colleges subscribe to the view that a globally competitive workforce must have global
competencies and so this programme has been benchmarked against those of international institutions that develop persons with global competencies. The instructional intent of this
programme is to facilitate the articulation of graduates at an advanced competency level into the workplace, ongoing learning, and mobility on the job. Courses are aligned with National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQ-J) competency standards, along with those of international professional associations. We subscribe, also, to the view that participants need to be empowered with competencies that can be applied across subjects, and throughout life, in a diverse and ever-changing environment. These competencies are acquired when participants develop the relevant thinking, learning and personal skills that will allow them to think critically, to communicate effectively with a range of people, and to be confident, creative problem-solvers who are able to work independently and also as part of a team with people of diverse backgrounds and interests to create value. Participants who develop these competencies are able to help to make “Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”. They are also able to make positive contributions to any environment in which they choose to operate.

For matriculation or entry into the Occupational Associate Degree programme applicants must meet/possess at least one of the requirements below:

▪ NVQJ or CVQ – Level 2 Certification
▪ Other Academic Entry Requirements – in accordance with CCCJ’s entry requirements.
▪ Prior Learning Assessment Recognition
▪ Mature Entry

Applicants with relevant experience of service in the sector may seek to pursue this programme.
The mature entry status should be further specified and confirmed in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures established at the institution hosting this programme. Applicants who
qualify under this category must pass a college readiness test of English and Mathematics and are
required to submit a professional portfolio which will be used to determine eligibility. Mature
entrants may be required to complete bridging courses prior to enrolment into this programme being guided by the institutional policies and procedures specific to same.

Entry Points
• Entry at the start of the programme: Candidates can enter this OAD Programme at the commencement, year 1 semester 1.
• Entry at the start of year two: Candidates can enter this OAD programme at the
commencement of year 2 semester 1, provided the candidate satisfies the minimum proficiency rating of the demonstrated occupational outcomes of all prerequisite and prior
sequenced courses in the year 1 or the Occupational Diploma programme, in accordance with the institutions’ policy and procedures for matriculation.
Exemptions
▪ Prior Learning Assessment/Advanced placement may be sought by trainees who have
successfully completed courses taken through a recognized technical vocational institution
or recognized certifying body. Trainees may apply for credit transfer in accordance with
the Transfer Policies and Procedures of the institution offering this programme, in
consultation with the COS. Successful applicants will receive exemptions from eligible units of competency once requirements for obtaining credit transfer are satisfies.

The Occupational Degree Curriculum is designed to target the professional and competency-based pathway persons to develop occupational competencies across the specific skill areas at various levels, with an emphasis on academic, technical training and personal cognitive development. This
parallel pathway will allow persons to have comparable qualifications and credentials of recognition to those of their counterpart perusing academic studies. This Curriculum is also being designed to target persons to attain workplaces and industry competencies, and recognized occupational standards, and requires the input and validation of trainers, lecturers, instructors, industry professionals and learning resource for developers and stake holders.

Programme Semester Table (FULL TIME) 

YEAR 1 

Semester I 

Semester II 

YEAR 2 

Semester III  

Semester IV