Apprenticeship in Barbados

The Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB) runs the national apprenticeship programme under the Occupational Training Act and the Occupational Training Regulations. An apprentice normally needs to be at least 16 years old, have completed at least nine years of formal education and hold a Barbados identification document. No formal vocational qualification is generally required, although a particular training scheme may set additional requirements. Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to co-sign. Non-nationals require relevant study or immigration documents and approval from the Director of Training. The BVTB places an apprentice with a suitable employer and supports the practical part of training. The employer and apprentice sign the prescribed contract, which the employer submits to the Director within 28 days; the contract becomes binding after registration. The employer must provide supervision, lawful workplace conditions, records and suitable training tasks. The apprentice follows a trade-specific Scheme of Training covering workplace tasks, underpinning knowledge and required competencies. The theoretical day is commonly delivered through the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, while practical progress is recorded and monitored by the BVTB. Current BVTB apprenticeship fields include air-conditioning and refrigeration, automotive engineering, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, masonry, mechanical engineering, plumbing, solar water-heater technician, vehicle body repair, and welding and metal fabrication. A standard apprenticeship contract usually lasts three years. The probation period commonly lasts three months and may extend to six months. Earlier relevant theory or practical experience can reduce the duration when the Director or BVTB approves the credit. The standard working week is about 40 hours, and the paid theoretical day counts as working time. The minimum apprentice wage is generally 45 percent of journeyman or regular-worker pay in the first year, 55 percent in the second year and 75 percent in the third year. Apprentices under 18 may not work overtime under the applicable rules; apprentices over 18 may work overtime with payment. Employers pay National Insurance contributions, and apprentices may qualify for sickness, injury and unemployment benefits. After at least one year of work, the minimum annual leave entitlement is three weeks. Absence normally requires permission, and illness or injury may require medical certification. The apprentice must attend training, follow safety procedures, use personal protective equipment, care for tools and complete assigned records. A breach of the contract can lead to suspension during a BVTB investigation, sometimes without pay. An employer must report termination within 48 hours. An inspector or career counsellor can help resolve problems, and a transfer to another suitable employer may be possible under the legislation. The employer normally pays the theoretical training tuition, usually in two instalments during the contract. The apprentice generally pays for repeat attempts, personal protective equipment, identification, a polo shirt and additional charges. The BVTB can reimburse the employer 50 percent of gross wages in the first year, 40 percent in the second and 25 percent in the third. Training may end with a Certificate of Apprenticeship, or in some cases a Certificate of Qualification or Certificate of Competence, after the practical and theoretical requirements, attendance, records and monitoring reports have been reviewed. Completion ends the apprenticeship contract but does not automatically create a permanent job; continued employment requires a new employment contract. Some apprentices continue through SJPI, Barbados Community College or competence-based N/CVQ qualifications.