Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Each programme runs one evening a week for 12 weeks.

Classes are held from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

No qualifications are required.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Certificates are nationally and internationally recognized.

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.

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.