TVET Council moves to establish construction skills body

The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council said it plans to establish a skills body for the construction industry, with the initiative expected to be developed during the current financial year.

TVET Council Executive Director Henderson Eastmond said the proposed body would bring together people working in the sector to help identify skills gaps, advise on industry needs and guide training as the construction industry continues to evolve.

“Some people call them sector skill councils. Yes, we want this country to function, think, plan, and work in sectors,” Eastmond said.

He was speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday at the TVET Council, Hastings House West, Balmoral Gap, Hastings, Christ Church, to launch the sixth Barbados Annual Construction and Design Conference (BACDC).

Eastmond said the council had engaged the construction sector in a workshop two weeks ago and would continue consultations with the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries and the Ministry of Labour as it works towards establishing the body.

“We want to move, and we are talking to the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries and we’ll be talking to the Ministry of Labour in setting up what we call a sector skills body.”

The body, he explained, would help ensure that training providers and standards keep pace with the needs of the industry.

“And what this council will do, this council will advise, this council will plan for the sector. This council will look into the future and say what they want because that is the only way we can keep up as trainers setting standards with the training institutions and what is going on with the sector.”

He said the council intends to establish the body during the financial year before potentially expanding the approach to other areas.

“We’re looking at fashion as well so that we will know what are the needs, what are the skills gaps, etc. And the best body to tell you where the skills gaps are are the people who actually work in the sector.”

TVET Council Chairman Dr Albert Best said the development of standards for construction professionals was also being driven by concerns from within the industry over whether those claiming they are trade persons are properly qualified.

He said: “In terms of licensure for design and construction professionals, we have found that a lot of the feedback we have been getting from the industry was that persons don’t know if the plumber that presents himself is qualified to be a plumber.”

The TVET Council had committed to developing and expanding the standards already in place for the construction industry, with those standards expected to form a basis for future licensing, he said. 

“Right now we have some, but because of the direction the construction industry is growing in, and we’re working with other government agencies in this regard, we’re developing standards that we’d use as a backdrop for licensure.”

The work is expected to cover a wide range of occupations, including architectural and engineering technologists, plumbers, electricians, cabinet installers and air-conditioning technicians.

Best said: “We already have electricians, but the guy that installs your cabinets, installs your [air conditioner], we’re developing standards for all of that.”

He added that the initiative extends beyond Barbados, describing it as “a regional initiative, not just Barbados”. 

The proposed skills body and standards development come as the TVET Council prepares for BACDC 2026, which will be held from October 14 to 18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle under the theme “Integrating Technology into Quality Construction 2.0”.

Eastmond said the conference has evolved since its inception, placing greater emphasis on practical engagement.

“We’re not placing a lot of emphasis on lectures. Workshops. Practical activity, so people want to know how to do things, how to get things done.”

Minister of Technological and Vocational Training Sandra Husbands said the ministry and TVET Council were working to create opportunities for young people while strengthening the construction sector.

“Our ministry is hard at work. The TVET Council is hard at work. I want to sincerely thank the team staff for the excellent work that they’re doing and for the partners that support them in all that they.”

She also welcomed the conference theme, describing it as “very timely and extremely relevant at this time”. 

Among the conference activities will be the Construction Open Day on October 17, featuring practical workshops and product demonstrations for homeowners, prospective homeowners, contractors, retailers, suppliers and members of the public.

The conference will also feature keynote presentations, technical and panel discussions, live demonstrations, networking opportunities and a field tour focused on areas including building information modelling, artificial intelligence, climate-resilient construction, modular building methods, digital safety solutions, low-income housing innovation, road infrastructure technology and interior design.

The event will include a student career showcase and schools design competition, with cash prizes of $1 500 for first place, $1 000 for second and $500 for third.

The event will climax with the BACDC dinner and awards on October 18, where 11 awards will recognise achievements across the construction and design industries.

BRC West Indies Limited Sales and Marketing Manager Nasiyr Harper said the company was supporting the conference because technological advances must be matched by a skilled workforce.

“Although technology presents tremendous opportunities, we believe that quality construction still depends heavily on the people behind it,” Harper said.

“New technology must be supported by skilled tradespeople, knowledgeable professionals, proper training, and a continued commitment to high standards.”

Harper said BRC, which has been involved in construction for more than 40 years, had seen how technology was changing the materials used, manufacturing processes and the way projects were designed and managed. 

The other sponsors include Sherwin-Williams and Unicomer Barbados Limited.

(LE)