A pilot initiative developed for persons in Barbados who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis is proving to be a sustainable mechanism for cooperation, skills development and employment recovery.
The three-month Barbados Employability Project, made possible with support from the ILO Caribbean Office, has drawn a total of 912 enrollments. Well-aligned with international training strategies, the programme has been specially designed for the Barbados labour markets in the context of COVID-19 and can respond to participant needs on an ongoing basis.
Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations (MLSP) and the National Training Initiative (NTI), the project offers a suite of three free courses in the areas of Core / Social Skills, Occupational Safety and Health, and Entrepreneurship. The collaboration is a sustainable skills development undertaking that can be continuously adjusted to crises in order to minimize interruptions to livelihoods and productivity.
“The Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations welcomed the technical support provided by the ILO Caribbean Office to make the Employability Project a reality,” said Marva Howell, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations.
“Given the negative economic, financial and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on countries, workers and their families, it was imperative that the Government of Barbados sought a viable intervention to assist the thousands of unemployed, laid off workers, particularly single mothers, the youth and the disabled. This project was therefore timely and afforded participants the opportunity to learn new skills, or to re-tool, thus enabling them to return to the work environment or, even to start their own small business,” she explained.
All courses are currently available on the NTI platform. They have the potential to be shared with other training institutions that offer e-learning opportunities to reach wider audiences and ultimately deepen their impact on the Barbadian labour force.
“The ILO is pleased to support this important training relationship between the MSLP and the NTI as part of the Government of Barbados’ COVID-19 response to build a stronger and more adaptable work force now and in the future,” said Ariel Pino, ILO Caribbean Specialist for Social Protection and Occupational Safety and Health.
For example, the OSH course reinforces preventative and protective measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring safe and healthy working conditions that mitigate against workplace-related risks.
“The course has opened my eyes more to the risk and hazards to be found in the workplace. I have also learned how to approach and deal with anything that may arise,” said a 56-year-old female participant.
During the Core / Social Skills course, participants gain new insights on the threats and opportunities of change. Additionally, it helps participants to acquire appropriate self-knowledge as well as the skills necessary to craft and implement personal and professional strategies to adapt to change.
“The best thing about the course is that it offers information that aids in equipping you with information that is relevant and necessary upon entry into the workforce,” said a 21-year-old female who took the course.
Notably, the training successfully promotes Entrepreneurship as a viable career option when re-entering the workforce. During the highly- sought after course, participants learned practical techniques on how to transition their careers by starting and and maintaining their own businesses.
“It was a very helpful and interesting course,” explained a 31-year-old female course participant. “I learned new information that can benefit me in the future.”
Upon completion of the courses, participants will receive employment services provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations to facilitate their reinsertion to the labour market.
