Frequently Asked Questions

Competency-Based Training is a system in which learners are evaluated on their demonstration of knowledge, skills and attitudes in an occupational area. This is different to traditional education which relies on acquiring content-based knowledge (test taking) alone.

In a nutshell, a Barbados that’s more competitive, with workers better equipped for the demands of the 21^st century market place. Competency-Based Training benefits employers by:

• delivering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to a range of job roles beyond those traditionally associated with TVET training.
• functioning as a continuing education vehicle to improve performance through the demonstration of competency in the workplace
• promoting the adoption of “soft skills” to complement technical skills needed to carry out job functions
• implementing the use of world class occupational standards and certification to help create a globally competitive workforce
• fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the private sector and training institutions
• equipping workers (including the displaced, retrenched and unemployed) with skills which they can use both locally and abroad

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is education to prepare people – students, job seekers, the employed and the self-employed -  for the world of work and business. It’s also known as workforce training and includes all programmes and courses that contribute towards the development of the knowledge, technical skills, attitudes, and core skills essential to being competitive in the world of work. 

Occupational Standards are detailed written descriptions which outline what employees should know and do in order to effectively carry out their job functions. 

For example, John Smith wants to buy a business and decides to seek an National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in “Developing a New or Existing Business Enterprise - Level 3”. One part of the occupational standard for this NVQ states that John must demonstrate that he is competently able to perform specific tasks such as deciding on the finance and capital needs of the business. For John to be found competent in this area he has to, among other things:

• Research how much any supplies he needs will cost
• Research how much market research and advertising will cost
• Research the cost to his business on any staff he needs to recruit, employ and train
• Estimate the cost to carry out all of the activities needed to run his business properly

Occupational Standards form the basis of National/Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (N/CVQs). N/CVQs are work-related, competence-based certifications which employees (fulltime or part-time) and self-employed persons can gain after their performance of a work role has been successfully assessed against Occupational Standards by trained and certified Assessors. 

While projects across various sectors can receive funding, the CBTF is especially interested in projects in the Manufacturing, Agriculture, Hospitality, Health & Wellness, Creative Industries, and Alternative Energy sectors. 

Training must be based on occupational standards. These may come in the form of existing N/CVQs registered in the TVET Council, international standards from a recognised awarding body, or new standards to be developed and validated under the proposal. They must also lead to an occupational competency-based certification by a recognized awarding body.

Since its inception in 2014, the CBTF has held 3 Calls for Proposals, and has committed BDS $14 million over the last two years for competency-based training programmes that lead to certification.

The fourth cycle begins on June 15, 2016 and will award grants up to $500,000 per proposal to partnerships between at least one employer and a training provider.

The fourth Call for Proposal begins on June 15, 2016 and ends on July 29, 206.

Employers and training providers who meet all four of the following criteria are eligible to apply for funding:

1) Proposals must be submitted in the template provided for this competitive cycle;

2) The proposal is submitted by a partnership of at least one employer and one training provider;

3) The training included in the proposal is based on established occupational standards;

4) Training leads to competency-based certification by a recognized awarding body.

Any employer who has been registered or incorporated in Barbados and operating prior to January 1, 2014 is eligible to apply. Regardless of company size or industry sector, eligible employers can apply in partnership with a training provider.

Public or private local training providers who are registered or incorporated in Barbados, National Insurance Scheme compliant and operating prior to January 1, 2014 can apply. 

Regional or international training providers can also apply but must be registered or incorporated and operating prior to January 1, 2014 in their home country. Training providers can also partner with more than one employer to submit a proposal.

• Meet with the CBTF Management Unit to discuss the opportunity with your organisation. Contact Us now to schedule a meeting.
• The CBTF Information Workshop will be held on June 15, 2016, and will educate eligible training providers and Barbadian businesses about the grant resources covered under the fund, give instructions on how to submit viable proposals, and provide networking opportunities.
• Proposal preparation materials: including a proposal template and instructions are available to applicants online.
• List of technical consultants: who will provide advice on proposal preparation and the drafting of tender documents
• Financial training: to the selected partnerships in basic procurement and financial management procedures required during project implementation.