The Ministry of Technological and Vocational Training will be offering a number
of Tertiary Construction Grants to Barbadian nationals training in the field of
construction who exhibit a financial need.
The value of the grant is $4, 000 for one year of study and $8, 000 for two years
of study. Proof of successful completion of the first year is required before the
second‑year disbursement is issued.
BACKGROUND
Barbados has recognized the global need for technical and vocational training.
People are exhibiting an interest in technical and vocational fields as the
demand for construction workers increases. The Ministry of Technological and
Vocational Training (MTVT) understands this and is committed to aligning
educational programs with industry requirements in order to develop a culture
of continuous learning and improve personal development.
The Tertiary Construction Grant is part of the Ministry of Technological and
Vocational Training’s efforts to shift the focus from traditional education to
technical and vocational training that emphasizes lifelong learning and skill
development. The Ministry’s goal is to achieve at least a 70% participation rate
among people who need to upskill or reskill.
Barbados is currently experiencing a construction boom and there is a high
demand for skilled construction workers. MTVT is being proactive to the needs
of the construction industry while being sensitive to the financial needs of
citizens.
AWARD
This Tertiary Construction Grant will be awarded to persons who have a proven
need for financial assistance to complete full-time training in any of the
following vocational disciplines at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of
Technology (SJPI) or the Barbados Vocational Training Board (BVTB):
❖ Carpentry and Joinery
❖ Masonry
❖ Electrical Wiring
❖ Electrical installation
❖ Plumbing
❖ Tiling
❖ Welding
It should be noted that the award to BVTB students will include the stipend and
additional funds up to a maximum of $4, 000.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The grant is tenable at the SJPI or the BVTB. Applicants must be citizens of
Barbados who have been accepted to the programme of choice prior to
applying for the grant. The following persons may apply:
(i) School leavers.
(ii) Construction Gateway graduates who are seeking to continue training in
their discipline, or other, at the SJPI or BVTB.
(iii) Adult low-income earners who are desirous of making a career change to
seek employment in the construction industry.
DISBURSEMENT
The Tertiary Construction Grant will be disbursed in three (3) instalments:
(i) tuition fees will be paid directly to the institution.
(ii) the remaining sum will be disbursed in two (2) installments; at the
beginning of the programme; and
(iii) upon submission of an official transcript or status letter from the training
institution after the end of the first semester.
Payment to successful applicants will be made via direct bank or credit union
deposits.
INFORMATION NOTE
The conditions set out below are applicable to all students who have been awarded grants and should be strictly adhered to:
A. TRAINING PROGRAMME
1. After a programme of training has been approved, under no circumstances must the programme be changed without the Minister’s prior approval. A formal request, supported by evidence from the SJPI or BVTB, the course outline of the new programme, any official information verifying changes in tuition fees and duration of the course of study must also be submitted to the Ministry.
2. If a student is unable to take up his/her award in the academic year he/she must immediately inform the Ministry, giving reasons and
requesting deferral to the following year.
B. FORFEITURE
The award may be withdrawn if a student:
(i) is expelled or suspended from their learning institution;
(ii) fails any examination/practical assessments held by the
SJPI/BVTB;
(iii) changes his/her course of study to a non-construction discipline;
and
(iv) is unfit, in the opinion of the authorities of the SJPI/BVTB, to continue holding a scholarship award.
C. PAYMENTS
Allowances:
(i) Students’ TAMIS number and banking information must be submitted to facilitate processing of all payments.
(ii) Banking information must be submitted as follows:
(1) Student’s bank account number
(2) Name of Bank
(3) Address of Bank
D. ACADEMIC REPORTS
1. At the end of each semester for the duration of the award, all awardees must ensure that an official academic report (i.e. a transcript)
bearing the SJPI/BVTB seal is submitted to the Ministry directly from the training institution. Student copies will not be accepted.
2. Awardees are reminded that the payment of tuition fees and allowances is subject to their performance in the previous semester, as reflected in their reports, payment will not be made if such reports/transcripts are not submitted.
Please note that only official transcripts bearing the SJPI/BVTB official seal will be accepted.
E. EXTENSIONS
1. The Ministry will consider requests for extensions only in extenuating circumstances.
2. Students must first, in writing, seek the Minister’s consideration and approval for an extension to the length of time for study. The letter
must include reasons for requesting the extension and supporting evidence, where applicable, as the Ministry will not be responsible
for additional funding arising from extensions to programmes of study without prior approval.
F. CORRESPONDENCE
Students requesting or providing information must do so in writing, with correspondence addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of
Training and Tertiary Education.
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APPLICATION
Application forms may be obtained from the Tertiary Section, Ministry of Technological and Vocational Training, Elsie Payne Complex, Constitution Road, St. Michael. Or downloaded by clicking this link. Completed forms should be submitted to the Ministry no later than Friday, August 14 , 2026.
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