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Henderson Thompson, Director of??Training at the Barbados??Vocational Training Board (BVTB).?? (FP)??

Too many young people do not know about the apprenticeship programme and it is the belief of Director of Training at the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB), Henderson Thompson, that students should be educated about this initiative in secondary schools.

Speaking to apprentices at the Apprenticeship Orientation Programme at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre recently, he lamented that some of the participants had only heard about the programme for the first time this year.

He asked: "Don’t you think it is time we change that and that you should start hearing about this from the time you enter secondary school??? …So young people would know what a wonderful programme it is, where we offer you the opportunity to gain employment and be paid part wage as you learn?"

Emphasising that the Apprenticeship Programme was an important developmental tool, Mr. Thompson pointed out: "It is a flagship programme of the Barbados Vocational Training Board."

Further explaining that it was a formalised system of on-the-job training, the BVTB’s Director of Training stressed that apprenticeship provided participants with practical and theoretical knowledge, as they were required to work at their respective attachments and also to attend the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic.??

Mr. Thompson told the apprentices: "In order for you to get your certificate of apprenticeship, you have to attend the SJPP because that is where you will get your theoretical training.?? And, you have to do well…"

Encouraging the trainees to strive for excellence, he said: "You are here because you want to get a job; to be part of the economic development of this country and make lots of money.?? So, get an education, get a qualification and provide for yourselves and your families.

"Let’s take this contract of apprenticeship all the way to a successful conclusion where you will receive a certificate of apprenticeship and some of you will receive Polytechnic and City & Guilds certifications as well".

shamkoe.pile@barbados.gov.bb

Author: Shamkoe Pil??

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