8.3 Cost per Trainee Estimates

On the basis of these costs, it is possible to arrive at an estimate of the recurrent cost per trainee while they are enrolled in the colleges. Since the staff-student ratios are similar, and non-salary costs are small, there is no significant difference in these costs between the colleges. Overall, it would appear that in 1995, unit costs were about TT $26,700 (TT $19.040 million). In 1998 enrolment was 791, there were 52 lecturers in post (including principals), and about 20 ancillary staff. Based on average salary costs (including the new salary scales), this would give a cost per trainee per year in 1999 of about TT $35,000 (US $5,550). Thus, a trained teacher would cost about TT $70,000 to produce over two years. This is about three times GNP per capita.