Barbados has officially opened its first Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Global Training Centre (GTC) at the National Union of Public Workers headquarters, marking a major step in preparing its citizens for the future of work.
Backed by Chinese funding and aligned with international standards, the centre is part of a global network designed to advance specialised education, skills development, and capacity building. The initiative aims to equip Barbadians with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing global job market.
Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, Sandra Husbands, described the new facility as a cornerstone for nurturing talent and fostering innovation, particularly in optoelectronics, electronics, and information network cabling.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
“With the world of work undergoing rapid transformation, this centre ensures that Barbadians are not just ready to survive but positioned to grow,” Husbands said. She highlighted the event’s theme — Sharpening Skills, Pursuing Excellence, Unlocking Opportunities — as a guiding principle for the island’s future.
The Minister noted that while technological change is expected to eliminate around 92 million jobs globally, more than 130 million new jobs will emerge — each demanding new skill sets. Barbados’ commitment, she stressed, is to ensure that young people are prepared to seize these opportunities.
Designed to be both responsive and innovative, the Barbados GTC subcentre will provide training relevant to the evolving economy. Husbands emphasised that beyond technical readiness, the centre will cultivate essential life skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability.
She also reaffirmed the government’s pledge to elevate technical and vocational training to a world-class standard, enabling Barbadian workers to build an international reputation as highly skilled and sought-after professionals.
View Investment Properties for Sale in Barbados
Membership in the GTC offers students and lifelong learners access to WorldSkills online training content, invitations to overseas training camps, preparation for global competitions, and participation in exchange programmes with international institutions. Barbados will also benefit from global curriculum development and technical collaborations.
Calling on Barbadians to take full advantage of these opportunities, Husbands said the centre represents a powerful resource to unlock talent, build competitiveness, and strengthen the nation’s role in the global workforce.
View all of our Properties for Sale in Barbados
