(Stock Photo)
The Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) has awarded a number of first-time Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) to 186 new graduates.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Yolande Howard, made this disclosure recently, while delivering the feature address at the Board’s Graduation Ceremony, at the Lester Vaughn School.
She outlined the newly-certified areas of study as: Food Preparation and Cookery, Bar Services, Food and Drink Service, Amenity Horticulture, Information and Communication Technology; as well as Cosmetology.
Describing the graduates’ achievements as significant, the Permanent Secretary said that she was “extremely proud” of the awardees; and implored them to use their skills to improve the quality of the labour market.
“I am aware that 186 persons are eligible to receive such certification during this ceremony and this is commendable…
“No longer are we in a position to rest on our laurels and think that we can continue to be satisfied with the concept of being good with our hands, without making the effort to gain accompanying qualifications in the respective occupational areas,” she stressed.
Mrs. Howard also pointed out that the BVTB and the Ministry of Labour have worked to ensure that the qualifications being awarded to students are “globally recognised” and capture the level of competence required in the workforce.
She added: “The Board has had to adjust its approach to training, assessment and certification, in order to remain relevant and current in its service delivery…
“They therefore select persons who possess marketable skills, qualifications and competencies, and whose values synchronise with those of the workplace,” the Permanent Secretary explained.
Valedictorian and Best Trainee for Cookery and Food Prep, Shawntell Smith, delivers her speech while Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Yolande Howard looks on. (GP)
Delving deeper into the unwavering need for values in the workplace, Mrs. Howard identified accountability, integrity, teamwork and professionalism; as four key attitudes which the students should incorporate into their belief systems.
Seeking to encourage the graduates, she stated, “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence.”
In closing, the Ministry’s top official also expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the BVTB, who, in her view; have “raised the image of both the BVTB and the TVET Council in Barbados.”