Jamaicans outpace Barbadians in skilled national certificate applications

More Jamaicans than Barbadians are now applying for the CARICOM Skilled National Certificate, a shift that has prompted the Barbados Accreditation Council (BAC) to encourage citizens to take greater advantage of the programme.

Executive Director Lisa Gale is urging Barbadians not to overlook the certification, noting that it offers benefits beyond just regional work and travel.

“We want to make a call to Barbadian nationals. Do not see this as a nondescript or a non-thing,” she said.

“You don’t have to use it for travelling. It is something that can benefit you even for your employers or a change of employment. The person may want to see: ‘Oh, that person is a skilled national. This person has the national certificate from the Barbadian Accreditation Council.”

She told reporters that the skilled national certificate programme, which started in 2004, was initially dominated by Barbadian applicants.

But Gale noted that applications from locals have declined over the years.

“For the first ten years or so, we had predominantly Barbadian nationals,” she said.

“Then, over a three- to four-year period leading up to 2019, we saw more Guyanese applying. By 2021, after a slight dip during COVID, Jamaicans became the largest group of applicants.”

While the certificate is commonly associated with regional mobility, Gale suggested that Barbadians should consider it valuable even if they do not plan to migrate.

Noting that the certification can still provide a professional advantage locally, she underscored a need for more sensitisation.

She said: “Every time we’ve had information sessions, we’ve seen a number of those persons we targeted coming forward to apply. So essentially, all we have to do is to have another information session.” 

The BAC has already planned several sessions for the year, targeting different sectors and groups to boost awareness and participation.

Gale also highlighted a difference in how Barbadians and non-nationals use the skilled national certificate, stating: “Barbadians usually apply under the graduate category, whereas non-nationals apply under artisan, household, domestic, or security worker.

“Many Barbadians in these fields find work in Barbados without needing the certificate, so they don’t see the urgency in applying.”

Despite this, Gale is encouraging more Barbadians to recognise the certificate’s value, whether for career advancement, employment changes, or future opportunities.

“We want more Barbadians to take advantage of this opportunity. There are 12 categories for skilled nationals, and discussions are underway to expand it further,” she said, further urging nationals to learn more about the skilled national certificate and how it can benefit them. 

(SM)