In a significant development for workforce development, Business Training Center Inc. (BTC) has partnered with UK-based Training Express to establish BTC Trade School, a vocational training initiative targeting Dominican youth. This program aims to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople across the island nation through comprehensive technical education programs.
The newly launched institution will offer both online evening classes and in-person sessions that emphasize practical, on-the-job training. The curriculum spans multiple high-demand sectors including construction trades (plumbing, electrical work, welding, land surveying), mechanical trades (HVAC, automotive repair, solar energy systems), healthcare (nursing, phlebotomy, medical administration), and financial security (anti-money laundering, compliance).
Lucia Stedman, Director of BTC, highlighted the program’s national significance: “Dominica’s development depends on having a skilled workforce. Too many of our young people leave school without marketable skills. BTC Trade School changes that by creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship within Dominica.”
The program’s credibility is enhanced through its partnership with Training Express, which provides internationally recognized course content and certification. BTC holds accreditation from the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE) and operates as an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.
BTC demonstrates a proven track record through previous initiatives like the Canadian Government-funded Local Engagement Action Fund (LEAF) project, which successfully trained over 100 young Dominicans aged 18-30.
With classes commencing January 5, 2026, prospective students can explore course offerings at btcdominica.com/trade-school-courses/.