The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of the Environment & Housing, September 15, at Charlotte House, downtown. BTVI President Dr. Robert Robertson met with the Minister, the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, to garner his support for the college's 15-week-long dual enrollment programme.

The programme is a multi-lateral partnership between BTVI and high schools to train technically inclined students -- simultaneously giving them a head start in earning college credits, before leaving high school. The idea is to provide a path to accelerating seamlessly into their area of training.

Minister Ferreira said he was impressed with BTVI’s dual enrollment programme and wants to see it channel more high schoolers interested in mastering energy security vocations.

The Minister remarked of his particular interest in solar energy solutions and building corporate net-metering systems.

Dr. Robertson noted that within the dual enrollment programme’s 15 weeks, students meet once or twice per week, for a total of eight hours per week, and that schools participating in the programme include Anatol Rodgers High, C. I. Gibson Senior High, C. V. Bethel Senior High and L. W. Young Junior High. He said the actual name "Programme SURE," which stands for Success Ultimately Reassures Everyone.

Solar installation is one of the latest technical skills offered by BTVI's Trade Career Path classes, in which students are exposed to construction trade

skills such including Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Drywall, Tiling, Painting and Decorating building solutions.

Minister Ferreira added he wants high schools in the Family Islands to participate too, and would encourage BTVI to engage solar experts to teach about the industry in the Family Islands. He added that the Ministry would support BTVI in training more students who want to work in environmental careers, and would also work along with the University of The Bahamas.

Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Romauld Ferreira, right, welcomed BTVI President Dr. Robert Robertson in a courtesy call at the Ministry, September 15, 2017. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

By Gena Gibbs

Bahamas Information Services