The Rotary Club of East Nassau thanks President of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) for his presentation. Shown here from left to right are: Rotary Club of East Nassau President, Hope Sealy; Rotarian, Christian Knowles; BTVI President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson and Chief Executive Officer, ER Systems Global (England), John Butterfield.
(Photo: Hadassah Hall)
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President of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Dr. Robert W. Robertson, recently told Rotarians that the institution is seeking to prepare its students to narrow the skills gap that exists in the country.
While speaking at the Rotary Club of East Nassau, Dr. Robertson noted that there are some basic requisite proficiencies needed for employment including communication and interpersonal skills, along with technical competencies that will go a long way in bridging the gap.
Dr. Robertson noted that the skills gap is not unique to The Bahamas and BTVI recognizes all economies need skilled tradesmen as a critical part of a successful global workforce. Hence, the institution is committed to skill development and training.
BTVI is mandated to put a dent in the deficit of skills in the labour force. Specifically, programs are aligned with the economy’s demands for skilled labour, responding to business and industry needs, and by extension, attempting to improve living standards for many. As examples of responding to industry demand, BTVI is adding new programs in solar energy, technology and entrepreneurship.
BTVI’s President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson, recently addressed the Rotary Club of East Nassau on the skills gap. (Photo: Hadassah Hall)
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It is Dr. Robertson’s view that a part of the local solution to the skills gap is the creation of the National Development Plan. The National Development Plan: Vision 2040, will provide a roadmap for the future development of the country. This initiative represents an important strategic and fact based consultative exercise that includes a focus on building the Bahamian economy and making it more resilient, creating job opportunities for Bahamians and promoting entrepreneurial activities and ownership.
He said as the government seeks to bolster human capital outcomes, BTVI has a strategic role in that plan.
