The BVI government is making 81 fully funded training places available across its nine electoral districts in three priority sectors: maritime, construction and hospitality. Education Minister Sharie deCastro announced the initiative as part of the Let's Build VI programme, which officially began in March 2026.
The scheme carries an estimated budget of approximately $400,000 and grew from an earlier government effort focused solely on educator recruitment. "Let's Teach VI evolved into Let's Build VI because we didn't want to just create a space for educators to be developed," deCastro said on the government's Virgin Islands Voice show. "We wanted to develop other industries in the territory as well. And so we know the marine industry is a huge part of who we are, the construction industry as well, and hospitality."
The first intake of 10 trainees started their courses in September, with nine men and one woman among them. They are preparing for work in the maritime sector. DeCastro said she met the group on their opening day.
The government has also created 20 separate positions for teacher training, working alongside H Lavity Stoutt Community College, the University of the Virgin Islands and other partners. Several trainees have completed associate degrees and advanced to bachelor's programmes at the local college.
Maritime training is supported by H Lavity Stoutt Community College, which reopened its maritime fire safety training facility in March. The facility offers internationally recognised certification for seafarers.
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