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Director of BVTB, Henderson Thompson (left) and CEO of the Crane Residencies Resort, Kennedy Swartsingh (second right), sign the MOU, while Minister Esther Byer-Suckoo and the Human Resource Manager at the Crane, Sean Alleyne look on. (A.Miller/BGIS)

Barbadians interested in working in the service industry and in various trades now stand to benefit from an agreement made between the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) and The Crane Residential Resort.

Representatives from both organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday at the hotel’s Crane, St. Philip location.

Speaking at the signing, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, pointed out that the implications of the MOU were far-reaching, and the benefits to trainees and apprentices, numerous.??

"There will be opportunities for training in a variety of trades including International Cuisine, Bar and Restaurant Services, Housekeeping, Horticulture and Landscaping, Electrical Installation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Carpentry/Joinery, Masonry and Plumbing, among others. They [trainees and apprentices] will also be able to receive international certification in some of the trade areas, which gives that edge and makes them more marketable," she explained.

Dr. Byer Suckoo added that the undertaking was a significant one which should add value to both parties to the agreement, as it would increase their competitive advantage in their respective areas and improve the quality of their products in order to attain some common goals and objectives.

"On the one hand, the Crane [Hotel] would wish to ensure that in collaboration with the Board, it will provide practical training for a greater number of persons to meet organisational and national requirements. It should also seek to expand and provide differentiation of products and services, widen its client base and access new markets for its continued growth and development.

"The BVTB on the other hand, sees this relationship as a means of providing a strategic response to the delivery of industry-based training.?? Trainees and apprentices will be exposed to new technologies and resources, and as beneficiaries of such training, they will be able to make more informed choices for their career paths," the Minister stated.

Benefits are also expected to accrue to trainers at the BVTB who will be given the opportunity to interact and network with their partners in the Hospitality Industry, as well as help them to remain relevant and current in their specialised areas.??

kim.ramsay-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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