Barbados is embarking on a transformative journey to revamp its tertiary education system, with the government introducing comprehensive reforms aimed at prioritizing technical and vocational training. These changes are designed to equip young people with the skills necessary to thrive in both local and global job markets. Sandra Husbands, Minister of Training and Tertiary Education, emphasized that the reforms are a direct response to the evolving demands of the digital revolution, which has significantly altered industries worldwide. Speaking at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI), Husbands highlighted the need to cultivate a new generation of technicians capable of excelling in diverse fields such as construction and automobile engineering. The reforms will involve a complete overhaul of curricula across the nation’s institutions, moving away from traditional three-year programs that offer no immediate earning opportunities. Instead, the new system will focus on modular, on-demand training, allowing students to earn certifications progressively. Husbands also outlined a shift from examination-based assessments to competency-based evaluations, ensuring students demonstrate practical skills. The reforms target an estimated 20,000 young people who have left school with limited qualifications, aiming to re-engage them in a dynamic and innovative educational environment. Additionally, SJPI is undergoing modernization and expansion, including the construction of a state-of-the-art welding workshop to meet regional industry demands. The project, with a preliminary cost of $9 million, reflects the high demand for skilled welders, particularly in Guyana’s oil industry. These initiatives underscore Barbados’ commitment to producing globally certified graduates ready to tackle the challenges of the modern workforce.