The Tribune

Out of the classroom for nearly 30 years, A Venteria Johnson reluctantly walked through the doors of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Grand Bahama Branch Campus for a second time.

Initially, she graduated with a certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration (ACR) with honours. For 21 years, she worked as an ACR technician, specialising in insulation. However, she wanted to impart the knowledge and skills of the trade to others.

“During my years as a technician I gained a lot of knowledge and trained many people, eventually leading me to a desire to teach others the trade, so I made the switch from the construction field to the classroom. I wasn’t too sure about going back to school, but I wanted to better equip myself,” said Venteria.

The very semester Venteria returned to BTVI as a construction technology student, Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas, devastating Grand Bahama. This was closely followed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Back to school was not easy for this adult learner.

Nevertheless, Venteria was determined and had instructors who made the transition worthwhile.

“I will also remember roof framing I and interior exterior, with Godwyn Scott and his operational sheets and Jamere McIntosh who made elementary statistics - a subject I dreaded - so easy understandable. Keith Gibson, who taught heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and Devon Wilson, who taught blueprint reading and leveling instruments. made both theory and practical classes fun and engaging,” she recalled. 

Currently, Venteria is a senior craft instructor at St George’s High School in Grand Bahama. She has taught ACR for the past six years. For most of that time, she worked while attending BTVI part-time.

Hard work paid off as Venteria was chosen to be the student speaker at the 2024 Grand Bahama Commencement ceremony. Just before her speech, she was announced as the overall top graduate and became overwhelmed. It was not expected.

“I cried because I did what I had set out to do. The hard work and sacrifice were worth it. I was able to set a standard that both my children and students can emulate and be proud of,” said the graduate.  

Reminiscing about her BTVI experience, the achiever highly recommended the institute.

“I built a good rapport with my instructors. They are willing to assist. Though during the journey, you might want to give up, don’t. Push through. The reward will be worth it in the end,” she emphasised. 

“The BTVI Story” is a monthly column which highlights how the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is ‘Charting the Course for Success’ for learners in a multiplicity of trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.