The future economic growth and competitiveness in Barbados in this age of globalisation, hinges upon the training of a highly skilled, innovative, motivated and critical thinking workforce, which can be produced by a relevant and dynamic system of Vocational Education and Training. Recognising this, the Government of Barbados established the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council with the following functions:

1. to advise the Minister on policy relating to technical and vocational education and training;
2. to prepare plans for technical and vocational education and training in accordance with national policies and economic needs;
3. to ensure that agreed plans for technical and vocational education and training are implemented;
4. to coordinate technical and vocational education and training at the tertiary level;
5. to establish standards for technical and vocational education and training;
6. to establish training priorities, tests, qualifications and accreditation;
7. to determine the facilities and resources required to ensure satisfactory standards of technical and vocational education and training and the welfare of students, trainees and staff of training institutions;
8. to advise the Minister on the allocation of resources for technical and vocational education and training;
9. to make grants and loans for the support and provision of technical and vocational education and training;
10. to carry out such other functions relating to technical and vocational education and training as the Minister may require.

Role

The role of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council is to establish standards and qualifications for technical and vocational education and training as mandated by the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act, 1993-11 of the Laws of Barbados. 

The main functions of the TVET Council are to:

• Advise the Minister of Labour on policy relating to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
• Coordinate TVET at the tertiary level
• Make grants or loans for the support and provision of TVET through the Employment and Training Fund (ETF)
• Establish occupational standards for TVET
• Establish training priorities, tests, qualifications and accreditation
• Award National/Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (N/CVQs)