120 being trained through Baha Mar/BTVI program

Sat, Jul 2nd 2011, 10:50 AM

The first phase of Baha Mar's service and training academy got underway yesterday with 120 unemployed Bahamians receiving the opportunity to enhance their skills at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI).

The men were among just over 1,000 applicants who applied for the training program, said Baha Mar's VP of Workforce and Planning Development Anne Williams during the orientation exercise at BTVI.

"They should feel very fortunate because they are a part of the first group," she said.

BTVI's Dean of Construction Trades Alexander Darville said over the 18-day program, the participants will be trained in electrical, carpentry, masonry, drywall and plumping.

Darville pointed out that successful completion of the course does not guarantee employment for the participants.

However, those who pass the course will be given preferential treatment among those who apply to work on the construction of the project. Four thousand jobs are anticipated to be created in the construction sector for the various activities involved in the project's development. Courses will begin at BTVI on Monday.

Darville said Baha Mar is in the process of identifying institutions it hopes to partner with for future training programs. Charles Hunt, a consultant at the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, also attended the orientation.  Hunt pointed out the benefits of the training program.

"All of these persons are unemployed and by going through this process they have a real opportunity to be considered for employment for a project that would have at least four years to completion," he told The Guardian after the orientation.

Hunt said after the training, the Department of Labour will enter their names into its skills bank and will liaise with Baha Mar's human resources department. The 120 participants -- 75 from New Providence and 45 from Grand Bahama -- were chosen on the basis of their lack of skill.

Hunt said many of the participants have limited experience in construction.
"This program will provide individuals a classroom experience and they will build on their skills," he said.

"This will not qualify anyone to be  (an expert) but they will be capable and able to work with experts in the field."

Baha Mar has committed to spending about $8 million on training exercises. Senior Vice President of Administration and External Relations at Baha Mar Robert Sands said the $8 million is for the construction of an academy, as well as operational training and retraining once the academy is established.

The academy represents Baha Mar's commitment to ensuring staff are prepared to deliver the quality performance levels that will be expected of them, according to officials.The first phase is estimated to cost about $65,000.

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