New programmes coming for BVTB

New programs are in the offing for the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB).

Chairman of the BVTB’s Board, Benjamin Niles, outlined that several additional courses would be added to the curriculum in the areas of maritime, agriculture, international cuisine and machinery operation, to name a few.

He said the skills training organisation was in high demand, often having to turn away individuals due to lack of space, but noted that additional space was coming.

“We will soon be reopening at Deacons with added facilities to meet the demand in International Cuisine and Bartending. We will also be adding Maritime courses so you can be involved in the Blue Economy,” he outlined during the facility’s recent graduation ceremony.

He told those gathered at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium that a meeting will soon be held with the Finance Ministry to discuss how certification can qualify graduates for economic benefits within the system.

“Our annual budget is $12 million and that took care of 510 students in Skills Training, 1254 in evening programs and 93 in Apprenticeship,” he also outlined.

In his report, Director Henderson Thompson revealed that the number of courses moved from 28 in 2018 to 33 in 2019, and expressed confidence these numbers would move even higher as not only did the facility remain highly sought after, but also in the face of the ongoing creation of new accommodation stock and the agricultural expansion to come on stream in the island.

“The five newest courses are Reception CVQ Level Two, Furniture-Making, SkidSteering, Bobcat Operation and Forklift Operation,” he pointed out.

Thompson therefore stressed that additional space and staff would be needed going forward as many of the current courses were already oversubscribed. (JMB)ꆱ