Graduates of the IDB-Funded Competency Based Training Fund shared their experiences and benefits gained from participating in the training and certification programme at the CBTF’s Graduation Ceremony 2018. Mr. Wayne Alleyne, Agency Manager of Sagicor Life Barbados, and one of the graduates of the CBTF programme, proudly stated that the training in Management Level 2 has helped him to be better as a person and a leader within his organization. He explained that he received training on how to lead effectively, how to develop productive working relationships with his colleagues, and how to deal with difficult workers. Mr. Alleyne also reminded the graduates that “the best way to predict the future is to create it, and that an investment in knowledge really does yield the greatest return.”
Mr. Stalin Reece, Butcher at Massy Stores Barbados, is another graduate of the CBTF who shared that he is now a “well-rounded” Butcher after receiving full certification in the Butchery Level 2 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ). Mr. Reece explained that he was trained not only in dressing livestock for consumption, but also in Mathematics and Science which enables him to perform precise measurements and calculations when cutting and deboning meat. He encouraged fellow graduates and guest to “be the best that you can be. Do not make excuses, and do not settle for anything less than what seems truly impossible. Try as hard as you can, and then try a little harder.”
Mrs. Bernice Chase is a multiple NIFCA award winner in the Culinary Arts, the proud owner of J & P Farms Barbados, and a graduate of the CBTF Programme in Agro-Food Processing Level 3. She emphasized that her team benefited greatly from the training course, as she witnessed the transformation of persons who were once shy and lacked confidence, break out of their shells, conduct meetings and audits, and prepare detailed reports. Mrs. Chase affirmed that “we are now equipped with the knowledge necessary to excel and be efficient in our various occupations. We are also capable of offering invaluable feedback to the management of our organizations and are competent in developing adequate solutions and making appropriate recommendations.”