Our History
The Creation of The Barbados Vocational Training Board
The Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) is a statutory corporation under the Ministry of Labour and the Civil Service.
Its legal foundation is the Occupational Training Act, Cap. 42 of the Laws of Barbados, passed in the late 1970s to secure an adequate supply of trained manpower across Barbadian industry, supervise apprenticeships, and test and certify trainees and apprentices.
The Board became operational in the years that followed and has run continuously since, marking its 40th anniversary in 2020.
Guided By Purpose
Vision
To be a vocational training institution delivering world-class programmes, driven by a customer-focused commitment to excellence.
Mission
To provide globally recognised vocational training that empowers graduates to perform competently in the marketplace.
Milestones
1979 — The Act
Parliament passes the Occupational Training Act, Cap. 42, establishing BVTB as a statutory corporation and setting out its founding functions.
1980 — Core Programmes
The Board begins operating Skills Training, the Evening Programme, Apprenticeship, and In-Plant Training, open to both the unemployed and the existing workforce.
1993 — CVQ Alignment
The TVET Council is established, aligning BVTB training with the regional Caribbean Vocational Qualification framework.
2020 — 40th Anniversary
BVTB marks 40 years alongside regional partner CARICAD, with commemorative events at its Sayes Court, Christ Church training centre.
2022 — Gateway Initiative
The Barbados Construction Gateway Training Initiative launches, upskilling artisans and workers ahead of a national building boom.
Today
BVTB runs training centres across the island from its Culloden Road headquarters, offering trades from automotive mechanics to bar and restaurant service.
Still Growing
From a single Act of Parliament, the Barbados Vocational Training Board has grown into the island’s primary route into a skilled trade.
Free to Barbadian nationals and built on the same idea it started with: