IN a move to enhance vocational and skills training opportunities, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Richard Maughn engaged in a meeting on Wednesday with representatives of the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).

The meeting saw the participation of key figures from CLBD, including Dr. Natasha Gaskin-Peters, Director, and Ron Glasgow, Analytics Coordinator, who joined the delegation in discussions aimed at establishing a robust partnership. The primary focus of this collaboration is to introduce a range of vocational and skills training programmes, utilising the resources and expertise of the ministry’s Board of Industrial Training.

Both parties expressed their commitment to formalising this collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the near future.

The MOU is anticipated to pave the way for joint initiatives that will contribute significantly to the skills development landscape in the region.

One of the key topics under deliberation during the meeting was the expansion of efforts to enhance Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices, with a particular emphasis on the oil and gas industry. The discussions underscored the importance of aligning training programmes with industry needs to ensure a skilled and safety-conscious workforce.

The CLBD, established in 2017, has been at the forefront of providing local businesses with a platform to explore opportunities within the oil and gas sector. The organisation has played a crucial role in helping businesses improve their competitiveness and prepare for integration into the oil and gas supply chain.

This collaborative effort signifies a strategic step towards addressing the evolving needs of the workforce and aligning training programmes with industry demands. As both parties gear up to formalize their partnership, the initiative holds the promise of not only advancing skill development but also fostering a safer and more resilient workforce, particularly in critical sectors such as oil and gas.

The anticipated Memorandum of Understanding is expected to mark the beginning of a transformative alliance, ultimately contributing to the broader economic development goals of the region.