The Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations is responsible for seeking out external job opportunities for Barbadian nationals. Currently, the Barbados Employment and Career Counselling Service (BECCS) administers a number of temporary overseas employment programmes in Canada and the United States of America which offers invaluable experience in the agricultural and hotel sectors.
These initiatives are designed to:
- Facilitate overseas employment opportunities for Barbadian nationals.
- Reduce unemployment and enhance workforce skills
- Support and strengthen international partnerships
- Deliver direct economic benefits to workers and their families and to the national economy
- Employment is mainly facilitated within the agricultural and hospitality sectors across the USA and Canada
- Promote cultural and professional exchange through global exposure
ROLE OF LIAISON OFFICE
Our Liaison Offices located in Toronto, Canada and Miami, United States play a pivotal role in the success of the External Overseas Workers Programmes by;
- Building partnerships with reputable employers and licensed recruiters
- Securing safe, legal and fair overseas jobs opportunities
- Providing ongoing support and worker advocacy for Barbadian workers while abroad
UNITED STATES
H2A Agriculture Programme
- Is categorized as the H2A Programme
- Is a temporary seasonal agricultural workers initiative
- Employment spans for a period of 3 to 6 months
- Is based on the employer’s labour needs and the agricultural cycle
- Operates under structured employment arrangements
- Ensures fair labour standards and conditions
H2B Non – Agricultural Programme
- known as the H-2B Programme
- provides opportunities for temporary non-agricultural employment.
- particularly within the equestrian, hospitality and service industries.
- Employment ranges from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum duration of 3 years,
- Based on employer demand and visa regulations.
- Provides individuals with international experience and skill development
J-1 EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (Teaching)
- Facilitates cultural and educational exchange within the US School System
- Allows Barbadians to participate in structured programmes
- Opportunities exist primarily within the teaching sector
- Initially for 3 years but contracts can be extended for a further two years.
- Promotes cultural immersion and professional growth
- Knowledge exchange
- Allows individuals the opportunity to broaden perspectives
- Acquire new competencies
- Contribute to cross-cultural understanding
- Represent Barbados on an international stage
J1 TRAINEE PROGRAMME
J1 Trainee Programme is a cultural and professional exchange programme that;
- Provides individuals with the opportunity to gain advanced, hands-on training in the USA
- Commonly focusses on tourism and hospitality sector
- Is open to individuals with tertiary qualifications and/or relevant work experience
- Is open to individuals seeking to enhance professional skills in an international setting
- Places Participants with accredited host organizations
- Provides structured and supervised training based on an approved plan
- Typically lasts for 12–18 months duration, depending on the field and goals
CANADIAN PROGRAMMES
The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP)
- Is administered by a bi- lateral agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Barbados
- Employment is seasonal agricultural work
- Duration of employment ranges from 3 to 8 months
- It allows for enhancement of skills
- Exposure to modern agricultural techniques
- Upon completion of programme workers return with experience and financial benefits
The Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Programme;
- Is a structured employment initiative
- Facilitates Barbadian nationals in temporary jobs
- Primarily in hospitality and service – related fields
- Is not limited to the hospitality sector
- Can extend beyond various sectors in Canada
- Contracts vary in length depending on the sector and employer needs
- Allows for contract renewals and extension in some instances
