A major workforce development initiative in Barbados is demonstrating significant success, having equipped over 1,500 citizens with new skills and catalyzed the creation of dozens of enterprises. Prime Minister Mia Mottley, addressing graduates at the Block Transformation Unit (BTU) Project Dawn ceremony at Illaro Court, championed the program as a pivotal mechanism for providing second-chance opportunities and fostering economic empowerment.
The ceremony, which celebrated over 380 graduates, served as a platform to underscore the government’s expansive investment in nationwide upskilling. Mottley detailed the extensive ecosystem of training avenues now accessible to Barbadians, spanning institutions like the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute (SJPI), Barbados Community College (BCC), Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB), and the National Transformation Initiative (NTI). Emphasizing inclusivity, the Prime Minister highlighted the NTI’s digital platform, which offers over 15,000 free online courses, ensuring learning is available to all, regardless of schedule or learning preference.
Mottley passionately advocated for the tangible value of education, stating, ‘Knowledge is power, knowledge is money. Knowledge can never be taken from you.’ She directly encouraged attendees to leverage these opportunities, a call to action extended to the friends and family of the graduates present.
The program’s impact extends beyond individual education. Since its 2024 inception, the BTU has directly led to the formal registration of 45 new small businesses with the Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office (CAIPO). This entrepreneurial wave includes 10 registered groups of small farmers coordinated with the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC). Furthermore, the initiative has successfully integrated participants into other national programs like the Barbados Youth Advance Corps, creating pathways to sustained employment.
Looking forward, the government plans to scale the program’s reach. Mottley announced intentions to fully utilize newly completed dormitories to facilitate expanded residential training, aiming for four annual cohorts undergoing intensive eight-week sessions. Financial support for new entrepreneurs is also set to increase. Through the Trust Loans Programme, participants can currently access collateral-free loans up to $5,000. Mottley signaled a potential post-election expansion of this ceiling to $20,000 for those who demonstrate repayment reliability, with an intermediate step up to $10,000 available.
Concluding her address, the Prime Minister advised employed graduates to seek union membership for workplace solidarity and urged those still seeking positions to register with the Ministry of Labour’s Jobs Registry, a tool designed to efficiently connect skilled Barbadians with prospective employers.