The Tribune

Just what Valentino Oliver was trying to avoid is now a huge part of his life and he is loving each moment.

“I never really wanted to do a trade. My family is full of tradesmen. I can remember very vividly in high school my uncle, Garth, tried to teach me carpentry and I would duck him because I didn’t see the value in having a trade,” said Valentino.

Today, however, Valentino has had a change of heart. He is currently an Electrical Installation student at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Grand Bahama. He is attending BTVI part-time while serving as a Police Sergeant in the Traffic Division of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, having spent 17 years with the organisation. He now acknowledges the value of trades.

“Before, my focus was more on business than anything. Some years later, I realised that having a trade and working for yourself opens a lot of doors. I’m not 40 yet, so I figured that it’s never too late to try and become an entrepreneur through the construction trades,” said Mr Oliver.

Determined to schedule his classes during his off hours, Mr Oliver said a BTVI education is worth juggling work, school and family.

“My ultimate goal is to start my own construction company and one day become an entrepreneur in the construction field. BTVI has made me so aware of the ups and downs of the construction field. I would walk into a building now and be aware of the environment based on the construction codes,” said the young man who has just completed his first year at BTVI.

“I look at the receptacles and the distance that they should be apart, the different switches, single pole, three way etc. and where they should be from the door, according to code, the types and sizes of the wiring according to amperage etc,” said Mr Oliver.

Questioned as to why he chose BTVI, Mr Oliver said he considers it the “best school” for learning trades.

“I have had a ball since my enrolment at BTVI. Instructors I’ve had were awesome people with pride in making sure every student gets what is needed to pass. I remember Mr Devon Wilson in blueprint reading: Leave no one behind. That’s the order of the day,” said Mr Oliver, who has a 4.0 grade point average (GPA).

Mr Oliver, whose plan is to work on his contractor’s licence upon completing BTVI, does not feel he is just another student number. He boasted about staff, especially the ladies in admissions, the construction trades department, highlighting too the expertise of instructors whom he feels are very good.

“You will have hands-on experience and it will become a lot of fun. Based on experience, I would encourage anyone to take up a trade at BTVI,” said Mr Oliver.

“Don’t delay. Just do it and you won’t regret it, once you stay focused and finish,” he added.

• The BTVI Story is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals Discover the

Possibilities related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.