The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) recently met to take another step toward the growth and advancement of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the region. Following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at exploring opportunities for collaboration to their mutual benefit, Turks and Caicos Islands government and education officials visited BTVI’s Old Trail Road campus. Representatives from both institutes continued discussions on proposed initiatives. BTVI’s various heads of department gave an overview of the trade programmes offered in Beauty, Business, Construction and Mechanical, Electronics and Media Technology, Fashion and Information Technology. A strategic partnership between BTVI and TCICC instructors is expected to lead to more opportunities for students relative to dual enrolment, exchange programmes, more areas of study and job opportunities. Both The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are facing a skills gap. TCICC officials said they admire the great strides being made by BTVI and anticipate implementing similar strategies that have been successful. BTVI’s Interim President, Dr. Linda A. Davis underscored that BTVI strives to upgrade the skills of the current workforce to match future industry demand. Latest strategies by BTVI have included expanding to the Family Islands with satellite campuses, offering hybrid and virtual modes of education, partnerships with the public and private sectors, offering additional programmes and attracting traditional-aged students through its Smart Start programme. These are backed by a government grant that allows Bahamians to study at the institute free of charge.
BTVI and TCI Community College Take Next Step in Strategic Partnership
