Construction Gateway Training Initiative to be launched

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) will tomorrow, Wednesday, April 13, launch the Barbados Construction Gateway Training Initiative.

With the anticipation of a building boom in a few months’ time, the Government of Barbados will be continuing its efforts to upskill the population, train artisans and ensure a new core of male and female workers are available to fill various positions in the construction industry.

The boom, expected with the start of multiple public and private sector-driven projects, will see the Education Ministry beginning the process of upskilling and training persons, from next month.

This will be undertaken through its various institutions, namely the Barbados Community College (BCC), the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB), the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council.

Together, these entities will be executing a series of courses to ensure young Barbadian males and females are appropriately trained to become part of the Barbados Construction Gateway Project and the workforce, in general.

The courses will include rapid modules in areas such as masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, landscaping, photovoltaic installation and construction supervision.

Moreover, the construction training to be provided by these institutions will have the added benefit of allowing participants opportunities for job attachments to master crafts persons and artisans.

Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Kay McConney, will deliver remarks at the launch ceremony tomorrow, Wednesday, April 13, at the SJPI, Wildey, St. Michael, at 10:00 a.m. Remarks will also be given by a representative from the private sector, as well as the heads of the BCC, SJPI and BVTB. (BGIS)