Backhoe Operations
This course is designed for persons who wish to learn how to operate a backhoe.
Students will also learn how to:
- perform preventative maintenance on the equipment
change attachments
replace defective hoses
load materials
clear sites
grade and backfill materials
clean equipment
*Please note that applicants must be licensed drivers 18 years or older to be eligible to participate in this course.
*Safety boots and a reflector vest are required.
*Students are responsible for paying their own permit and licensing fees.
We invite you to use our new Online Application Portal to submit your application to the Barbados Vocational Training Board.
Simply click below and select Barbados Vocational Training Board as your target institution. Then complete the Sign Up form and Submit.
NOTE: Please use a valid email address you can access as you will be required to validate the email address before continuing with the application.
Latest Course Information
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May 30, 2026
Duration:12 weeks
Day(s):Saturday
Time:900 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Tutor:Mr. Richard Harris
Course Fee:$595.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few FAQs pertaining to this programme or course:
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
Training Centres
This course is held at the following training centre(s):
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C. Lomer Alleyne Skills Training Centre
The CLA centre is where most of the Board’s Evening programmes are held. It is known for its Agricultural and Engineering programmes. CLA is the BVTB’s largest centre and it continues to be expanded.
Testimonials
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Going to the Barbados Vocational Training Board to sign up for a Plumbing course, was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I always thought you had to be a teenager or in your early twenties, to be able to sign up for training or even to be considered, to do an apprenticeship. But five years later, I am living proof that it is never too late to change careers completely. I am now self-employed and operating my own plumbing company; I’m never out of work.
Cynthia Martin
Managing Director, CJM Plumbing Services
