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Executive Director, of the TVET Council, Henderson Eastmond, presents an award of recognition to General Manager of Butterfly Beach Hotel,. Mark Kent. Also pictured is Coordinator/Technical Officer , The TVET Council, Andrea Harding-Waithe, (TVET Council)

A call has gone out to employers to utilise the Employment and Training Fund managed by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council.

Executive Director of the TVET Council, Henderson Eastmond, made this appeal at the TVET Employers Recognition Awards Ceremony, held at the Accra Beach Resort and Spa in Christ Church on Wednesday.

He told those in attendance that the TVET Council offered technical support and funding for training initiatives to businesses.

"The purpose of [this fund] is to subsidise the cost of staff training to employers," Mr. Eastmond said, noting that regardless of the size and structure of the business, the TVET Council was there to "assist you in having your staff trained and certified to international standards".??

He outlined that successful applicants could benefit by receiving up to 75 per cent of their training costs subsidised but stressed that certain key criteria must be met.??

Suggesting that patrons visit the TVET Council’s website for comprehensive details on the Employment and Training Fund, he explained that grants are provided to upgrade the skills of workers at all levels.

He added that the grant does not facilitate individuals or the financing of higher education that leads to advance diplomas and degrees.?? However, he said it caters to businesses, training institutions and non-profit organisations such as community groups.??

Emphasising that training must also be undertaken in Barbados; the official noted that the website also lists a number of priority areas.?? These areas are determined by labour market demands, high-demand occupations and industries where there are skill shortages, he explained.??

They include information technology, computer assisted design and manufacturing, food and beverage control, boat building, care of the young and elderly, animal husbandry, quality management, customer service and property maintenance.?? However, applications for skills development in any area are encouraged and would be considered once the criterion is met.

Mr. Eastmond told employers, "This is your opportunity to make the often stated commitment to the development of Barbados’ human resources capacity, a reality that is based on strategic thinking.?? It is time to ensure that Barbados adopts a truly demand-driven education and training system that will strongly influence the macro-economic development of this country."

Businesses and organisations interested in applying for the Employment and Training Fund, should contact the TVET Council at (246) 435-3096 or visit its website at http://www.tvetcouncil.com.bb/.

Author: Shamkoe Pil??

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