Youth unemployment and the growing mismatch between job seekers’ existing qualifications and private sector hiring demands have long remained pressing challenges for small island economies across the Caribbean, and Dominica is no exception. To directly tackle these barriers to inclusive economic participation, the Business Training Centre (BTC) has launched a groundbreaking 12-month initiative supported by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust, aimed at upskilling 150 out-of-work and underemployed young people across the country.
Named the “Digital Inclusion & Skills Development for Unemployed Youth in Dominica” programme, the project will run from September 2026 through to September 2027, with a targeted focus on addressing the most common obstacles that prevent motivated work-ready young people from securing stable, formal employment. A recent BTC press release highlighted two of the most pervasive barriers for this demographic: prohibitive up-front training costs, and widespread lack of access to personal computing devices that would allow them to build in-demand digital capabilities.
Unlike traditional training models that separate vocational education from digital literacy training, this new programme integrates digital skill-building directly into every course, ensuring participants develop practical computer proficiency alongside their core vocational training. A total of nine specialized training tracks are being offered, covering high-demand sectors across Dominica’s economy: Electrical Technician, Plumbing, Building Construction, Hotel Receptionist, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Medical Administrative Assistant, Efficient Data Entry, Secretarial Studies, and Digital Marketing. All participants will receive an internationally recognized certification upon successful completion of their coursework, a credential that dramatically improves their competitiveness for open roles both locally and regionally.
To bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world work experience, the programme also includes a mandatory 6 to 8 week industry internship placed with one of BTC’s established employer partners across construction, hospitality, and administrative sectors. This hands-on experience gives participants the on-the-job exposure that many entry-level roles require, while also allowing local employers to assess potential new hires directly.
Eligibility for the programme is restricted to candidates between 18 and 40 years of age who are currently unemployed or underemployed. To advance equity and support the most vulnerable groups, priority selection will be given to early school leavers, single parents, and young people from low-income households. With only 150 spots available, final candidate selection will be based on demonstrated level of need and documented commitment to completing the full year of training.
Interested candidates can access application forms in person at the BTC headquarters located at 74 Independence Street in Roseau. Applications can also be requested via WhatsApp at 767-612-0205 or through email at [email protected]. The programme marks a major investment in Dominica’s youth workforce, with the potential to create long-term improvements in employment outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to economic inclusion for marginalized young groups.