The construction sector is wide and varied, with opportunities for careers, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Training Patrick McCaskie.
He said this was why Government was placing emphasis on training in the field.
“The BACDC [Barbados Annual Construction Design Conference] is the ideal stage to showcase and build innovations. By embracing flexible, tech-enabled, and inclusive training models, we can build a workforce that is not only skilled but agile, empowered and ready to lead Barbados into the future,” he said.
McCaskie was the featured speaker recently at the BACDC inaugural dinner and awards ceremony in Sandals Royal, Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church.
“Through initiatives like the Barbados Construction Gateway Initiative, over 1 500 individuals have already been trained across intakes, with [the latest cohort] now on the way. The programme is expected to train nearly 4 000 more and generate over 5 000 construction jobs, including 3 600 full-time.
“But these are not just jobs, they are careers like photovoltaic installation, electrical and plumbing systems, dry wall and textured wall coatings, smart building technologies, green construction and landscaping, as well as digital modelling and project management.
“These are careers with global relevance, competitive salaries and entrepreneurial potential,” he said.
McCaskie said there was also a rise in female participation in construction training, which he said helped to break down barriers and expand opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
“This represents a powerful shift towards equity and empowerment. To every young Barbadian, if you are trained in carpentry, masonry, electrical installation, plumbing or one of those many construction trades, rest assured that your foundation can now support a career in smart infrastructure, sustainable design and digital construction,” he said.
However, the Permanent Secretary said Barbados still had further to go if it was to become a global competitor in the sector.
“We need to build a smarter training ecosystem in Barbados. Therefore, we need to expand modular, stackable credentialing systems that allow learners to build qualifications over time. We also need to integrate mobile for-study platforms for on-site training and safety briefings.
“We also need to strengthen partnerships between industries and education to ensure training reflects real-world needs; promote short-term, career-focused programmes that lead directly to employment; and support instructors with training in emerging technologies and digital pedagogy.
“I want to see an expanded TVET Council offering in construction technology and engineering. I also want to see a strengthened industry partnership for relevant training, investment in digital infrastructure for blended learning, support for instructors with training in emerging technologies, and finally, greater promotion of inclusivity, especially for women and youth facing socio-economic barriers,” he said.
The ceremony included dance, spoken word, instrumentals and performances from Anderson Mr Blood Armstrong and The Most Honourable Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire.
There were eight categories of awards – Support Services (Retail), Paraprofessional, Principal Contractor, Surveyor, Education (Instructor), Engineering, Architecture and Women in Construction.
