Steel Bending | Barbados Vocational Training Board

FAQs

 

Apprenticeship Programme

What is the Admissions Policy for Apprenticeship programmes?

Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years old and should have completed nine years of formal education. Applicants may identify an employer who agrees to train them in their chosen trade, or they may request assistance from the BVTB in finding a suitable employer. Applicants must be willing to enter a contractual relationship with the employer as outlined in the Laws of Barbados Cap 42 on Apprenticeship.

How recognized are the Certificates?

Certificates are nationally and internationally recognized.

What do I receive at the end of the Apprenticeship programme?

You will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Note that in order to receive certification persons must have completed both the practical and theoretical aspects of their training programme. Certification is based on attendance, the completion of the skills, tasks and competencies listed in the scheme of training and the submission of relevant records from the employer and the approved academic institution.

What is a Scheme of Training?

A scheme of training is a document which outlines the skills, tasks and competences that you should acquire during your apprenticeship.

Will I be paid while on the Apprenticeship Programme?

Yes, note that the wage paid varies according to the company which employs you. An apprentice is paid 45%, 55% and 75% of a regular employee’s pay in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively.

Do I have to find my own employer?

The Board is able to facilitate this process but you can also find your own employer.

How long is the Apprenticeship Programme?

The apprenticeship contract is usually for a period of three years although some exemptions can be made to shorten the period of training if the apprentice has already completed some theoretical or practical training at an approved institution. Exemptions are subject to the Director’s discretion.

What qualifications do I need to become an apprentice?

No qualifications are required.

Who can become an Apprentice?

Anyone of school leaving age or over, who is desirous of being trained in a field in which a scheme of training is offered, is eligible.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a voluntary contractual training programme between the employer and apprentice which is ratified by the Director of Training of the Board.

Evening Programme

What is the Admissions Policy for Evening programmes?

Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years old and are assigned places within the programme on a first-come, first-served basis. Persons who have applied need to confirm their registration by paying the relevant course fee. Applicants who have not gained a place on the course for which they have applied will be required to re-apply for the next available programme.

How do I sign up?

Applicants can complete a registration form online. Payment may be made at the Barbados Vocational Training Board headquarters on Culloden Road, St. Michael.

Can partial payments be made for the Evening programme?

No, the programme cost must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Is there a registration fee for the Evening Programme?

The only fee associated with the course is the cost of the programme.

How soon will I receive my certificate?

The certificate is issued once the administrative work is completed verifying that you have met all the criteria for successful completion. 

What is the cost of each programme?

Only the Evening Programmes have an associated cost. This ranges between $150.00 and $650.00. For information on specific classes, please visit our Evening Programmes section.

Will I receive a certificate?

On successful completion of a programme, you will receive a certificate. Successful completion requires a stipulated attendance and competency level.

Do participants have to supply their own materials?

On some courses, class participants will be provided with tools and materials to complete the course. However there are several courses where participants may be asked to buy their own tools and bring ingredients/materials. In these cases a material list is issued at registration.

What types of programmes are offered?

Evening programme courses are practical, hands-on classes designed to give the participant experience to undertake projects. For a full list of programmes offered, please see our Evening Programmes section.

Where are classes located?

Training centres are located at various locations throughout the island and the class location depends on the particular programme. More information is available for Evening Programme details and training centre locations, including directions.

What time are the classes held?

Classes are held from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

What is the duration of the programmes?

 Each programme runs one evening a week for 12 weeks. 

When do Evening Programme classes begin?

Evening Programmes are run three times a year and begin approximately in January, May, and September. 

What qualifications do I need to take an Evening programme?

No qualifications are required. Some advanced courses require that the beginners’ course be taken first.

Who can apply for an Evening programme?

The evening programme caters to all persons, whether employed or unemployed, who want to learn a skill for employment, make extra money, or complete a do-it-yourself project, saving money by undertaking tasks they would otherwise pay for.

In Plant Training Programme

What is the Admissions Policy for the In Plant programme?

Employers wishing to access training through the In-Plant Programme should communicate the request in writing to the Director of Training. If the programme that the client is interested in is not readily available, a new course is developed for the programme.

Skills Training Programme

What is the Admissions Policy for Skills Training programmes?

Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years and should have completed nine (9) years of formal education to be accepted on the BVTB Skills Training Programme, except for the Bar and Restaurant Services and vehicle operations courses. Applicants must be eighteen (18) years or older to be eligible to apply for these courses. This stipulation is in accordance with Section 57 of the Liquor Licence Act of Barbados for the Bar and Restaurant Services course. The Skills Training Programme is free to all Barbadian nationals. Non-nationals are required to pay a course fee.

Do I get a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes, once you qualify. Trainees must obtain a minimum grade of 3 out of a scale of 1-5 for each unit in the module to be certified.

Is there a job attachment involved?

During training some persons are sent on job attachment. Selection for job attachment is determined by the trainee’s performance, attitude, and behaviour as well as the availability of spaces at participating companies.

How much is the stipend?

The stipend is calculated based on attendance. If all sessions are attended, the stipend is $125.00 per week and it is paid every two weeks.

Does the Barbados Vocational Training Board provide financial assistance for applicants?

No, although in extreme cases referrals are made to external agencies on the behalf of the student.

What is a stipend?

A stipend is a fixed regular sum of money paid to trainees to help cover expenses related to their attendance.

Is there a fee for attending Skills Training Programmes (STP)?

Barbadians do not have to pay any tuition fees to attend the Board’s Skills Training programme. Tuition is free of charge. In addition the Board provides all students with a stipend which will assist with expenses including lunch and transportation costs. Non-Barbadian students with the requisite visa are required to pay tuition fees.

Do I have to bring/buy tools for my class?

Trainees are not expected to bring their own tools to class. They are however encouraged to save some of their stipend towards the purchase of tools and equipment for their personal use after they have completed training and have begun their careers.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, applicants must be at least age sixteen (16) to be considered for selection to most programmes. Some programmes require the student to be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

Can I work and attend STP?

No. Skills Training programmes cater to unemployed persons. The Board also conducts Evening programmes which cater to employed persons.

How often are programmes offered and what is the duration?

Classes are offered annually on a semester system starting in August. Most classes run for two semesters and end in June, however there are some classes which run for one semester and begin again in January.

What are the class hours for the Skills Training Programme?

Classes are conducted from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with the exception of Computer Applications classes which are conducted from 8:30 am – 11:30 am or 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.