Backhoe Operations
This course is designed for persons who wish to learn how to operate a backhoe.
Students will also learn how to:
- perform preventative maintenance on the equipment
change attachments
replace defective hoses
load materials
clear sites
grade and backfill materials
clean equipment
*Please note that applicants must be licensed drivers 18 years or older to be eligible to participate in this course.
*Safety boots and a reflector vest are required.
*Students are responsible for paying their own permit and licensing fees.
We invite you to use our new Online Application Portal to submit your application to the Barbados Vocational Training Board.
Simply click below and select Barbados Vocational Training Board as your target institution. Then complete the Sign Up form and Submit.
NOTE: Please use a valid email address you can access as you will be required to validate the email address before continuing with the application.
Latest Course Information
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May 30, 2026
Duration:12 weeks
Day(s):Saturday
Time:900 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Tutor:Mr. Richard Harris
Course Fee:$595.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few FAQs pertaining to this programme or course:
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- What is the Admissions Policy for Apprenticeship programmes?
Applicants must be at least sixteen (16) years old and should have completed nine years of formal education. Applicants may identify an employer who agrees to train them in their chosen trade, or they may request assistance from the BVTB in finding a suitable employer. Applicants must be willing to enter a contractual relationship with the employer as outlined in the Laws of Barbados Cap 42 on Apprenticeship.
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- Is there a fee for attending Skills Training Programmes (STP)?
Barbadians do not have to pay any tuition fees to attend the Board’s Skills Training programme. Tuition is free of charge. In addition the Board provides all students with a stipend which will assist with expenses including lunch and transportation costs. Non-Barbadian students with the requisite visa are required to pay tuition fees.
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- Is there a job attachment involved?
During training some persons are sent on job attachment. Selection for job attachment is determined by the trainee’s performance, attitude, and behaviour as well as the availability of spaces at participating companies.
Training Centres
This course is held at the following training centre(s):
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C. Lomer Alleyne Skills Training Centre
The CLA centre is where most of the Board’s Evening programmes are held. It is known for its Agricultural and Engineering programmes. CLA is the BVTB’s largest centre and it continues to be expanded.
Testimonials
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My experience at Structural Systems has been a positive one. My supervisors were helpful throughout the practical training. The Apprenticeship Programme allowed me to further my welding studies, more specifically at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. Currently, I am attending at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic where I am studying Electrical Installation. My manager, supervisor and my workmates at Structural Systems are supporting me in my studies.
I would advise any youngster, who wants to acquire skills to apply at the Barbados Vocational Training Board and attend the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic. My advice would be get a skill and “keep off the block”.
Jason Pinder
Welder at Structural Systems Limited
