The Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA) and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU). Shown here from left to right are BCA board member, Robyn Lee Ogilvie; BCA President, Leonard Sands; BTVI Interim President, Dr. Linda Davis and BTVI’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, Sharlene Hilton and Dean of Construction Trades and Workforce Development, Alexander Darville.

        

Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA) President, Leonard Sands and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) President, Dr. Linda Davis, sign a new memorandum of understanding (MoU), aimed at strengthening an existing partnership to bridge the skills gap in the country.

Photos: BTVI

The Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA) and the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) are advancing their common goal to bridge the skills gap in the country through the recent signing of a new memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

According to President of the BCA, Leonard Sands, the country is importing technical skills at an “alarming rate.”

Mr. Sands described BTVI as the “hidden opportunity” to address the importation of technical skills, meanwhile encouraging BTVI to offer more evening classes for those in the construction industry who work late into the afternoon.

Considered an advocacy group, the BCA represents qualified construction contractors and industry related allied companies. It is considered the voice of the construction industry in The Bahamas.

BTVI’s Interim President, Dr. Linda Davis, gave the institution’s commitment to change the narrative on the lack of qualified, skilled works.

“The cry from many is that we cannot find enough trained Bahamians. We have to change the narrative. We have the expertise in terms of instructors at BTVI and through partnerships with industry, and are delighted to be signing this agreement. I give homage to and credit to my predecessor, Dr. Robertson; we thank him,” said Dr. Davis.

“Now, we take it to another level. We are nothing unless industry endorses what we do,” she stated.