The Tribune

The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) have agreed a partnership that aims to help close “skills gaps” in the workforce.

Michael Pratt, the BCA’s president, said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two parties was especially significant given the urgent need to rebuild Abaco and Grand Bahama following the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Dorian.

“This signing is an attempt to resolve the absence of qualified skilled workers in The Bahamas,” Mr Pratt said. “We have recently gone through a devastation with Hurricane Dorian, and we need skilled workers to help rebuild the affected islands.

“Though we have been educating our contractors in various areas such as project management, OSHA (Occupation Safety and Health Administration) and estimations, we need the hands-on aspect from BTVI and the international certifications they facilitate so when we are asked: ‘Are there skilled workers in The Bahamas?’ we can say ‘Yes’.”

BTVI’s president, Dr Robert W. Robertson, said the institution is looking forward to the benefits the agreement will provide for its students and the country.

“Fundamentally, the MoU is designed to advance our common goal of bridging the skills gap in the country,” “ said Dr Robertson. “We will jointly explore training opportunities which may, in part, include Valencia College.

“In addition, we are looking to improve the quality of BTVI graduates to meet the needs of contractors in the country. This is an important partnership for BTVI, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with the BCA. BTVI and BCA have had a relationship for years, which included BTVI facilitating training sessions for the organisation.

The MoU will also provide education, train-the-trainer programme and accelerated technology training for both organisations.