NASSAU, The Bahamas – Nearly 300 proud graduates and their families and friends took over Melia Nassau Beach resort for the Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Commencement Ceremony, Tuesday, May 21, 2019.

Chairman, BTVI, Kevin Basden told the Class of 2019 that they are graduating at a time when the skills gap in The Bahamas needs to be filled.

“Properly trained plumbers, electricians, welders and other trades in the construction industry are needed.  The same is true in the IT, business, cosmetology, massage therapy, fashion and design and other technical and vocational areas.”

He noted that among the Institute’s highs was the confidence placed in it by the Bahamas Government and specifically the Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, who mandated BTVI to play a major part in the Government’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Program for high schoolers.

“This summer will make year two of the three-year ICT program which last year saw the participation of 126 students here in New Providence and 54 in Grand Bahama, who have been trained in various areas including the introduction to Python – one of the three main programming languages used by GOOGLE. 

“This makes these students either employable or gives them a jump start for post-secondary education.”

Mr. Basden explained that the Government, through BTVI, is providing skills for youth to create opportunities for themselves in one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide.

President, BTVI, Dr. Robert W. Robertson said in his inaugural graduation speech as President in 2016, he noted that BTVI was not a dumping ground for low-achieving students or those who are not college material.

He explained that since then, the Institute has achieved two consecutive Comptia Top Regional Awards and the attainment of City and Guilds Accreditation; it has achieved status as a Cisco Academy and has developed and executed training programs for some of the biggest employers in The Bahamas such as Grand Bahama Ship Yard, Freeport Container Port, Commonwealth Brewery and others.