With a steadfast commitment to meeting workforce demands and enhancing opportunities for student success, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has launched its Concrete Construction Training programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing the next generation of skilled construction professionals.
This competency-based programme, developed in collaboration with the internationally acclaimed DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) method, addresses critical needs within the local construction sector while aligning with the College’s strategic goal of improving student access and success. The curriculum was created in partnership with DAI, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and Unite BVI, with significant input from local construction professionals.
Dean of the Workforce Training Division at HLSCC, Ms. Marva Wheatley-Dawson explained that the training will equip participants with entry-level skills, practical knowledge, and internationally recognised certifications, thereby paving the way for increased job opportunities and sustainable development in the Virgin Islands.
Dean Wheatley-Dawson said, “This programme represents a significant step forward in how we approach workforce development. Our goal is to not only develop skilled workers but also reshape perceptions of the construction industry in the Virgin Islands. The Concrete Construction Training Level 1 will empower participants to meet industry standards while demonstrating the immense value of technical and vocational education in the Territory.”
The Concrete Construction Training Level 1 combines 447 hours of instruction, including certification with the National Council for Construction Education Research (NCCER) for Core Competencies, Concrete Construction Level 1, and a 160-hour apprenticeship. Participants will receive eight college credits, a Certificate of Completion, and the opportunity to become NCCER ‘Certified’, validating both knowledge and performance.
NCEER core competency training modules include basic safety, construction math, an introduction to hand tools, power tools, basic rigging, communication skills, employability, and materials handling. Our reinforcement course includes NCEER’s Concrete Construction Level 1 training, which provides an overview of the concreate construction process, its properties and characteristics, and hands-on performance-based assessments aligned with industry standards.
Vice President of Academic Affairs at HLSCC, Dr. Ronald Brunton said that this initiative underscores the College’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government to build a skilled and productive workforce. Together, the College and its industry partners are shaping a future where local talent drives sustainable development in the Virgin Islands.
The first cohort includes seven participants who are eager to shape the next stage of building development in the Virgin Islands. HLSCC invites others to explore this transformative programme and take the first step toward a rewarding career in construction.
This programme was made possible through the generous support of Unite BVI Foundation, UNICEF, and the collaborative efforts of local construction professionals, HLSCC faculty, and the NCCER.