President pledges to use donation to help narrow skills gap in The Bahamas
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — President of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) Dr Robert W Robertson yesterday announced the receipt of a $200,000 anonymous donation to support technical trades training on the island of Grand Bahama in the aftermath of hurricane Dorian.
It is the single largest donation by a private donor in the institution’s history.
The donation will be used to support the delivery of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certified training by way of a mobile lab. Specifically, a lab will be acquired that will be able to move around the island to support individuals and communities in need of certified skills training in areas such as electrical, plumbing and carpentry among others.
Robertson described the donation as a “game changer” as the institution seeks to develop technical skills among the Bahamian people, thereby narrowing the country’s skills gap.
“We are delighted to have the community support for this endeavor and we look forward to advancing this mobile lab and building key skills across Grand Bahama,” he said.
“This is a substantial donation and vote of confidence in the direction advanced by BTVI, as well as our graduates. Our sincere thanks to the donor.”
Head of Construction and Auto Mechanics at BTVI’s Grand Bahama campus Kenton Roker expressed appreciation for the substantial donation.
“We have seen considerable interest in the trades across Grand Bahama, particularly after hurricane Dorian. This strategic donation will assist in addressing that demand,” he said.
