PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
The People Development Programme represents the Government of Barbados’ strategic commitment to investing in its people as the foundation of sustainable economic growth and social progress. Recognizing that human and social capital are among the country’s most valuable assets, the Programme advances a holistic approach to development—one that extends beyond education and training to include personal growth, employability, social responsibility, and national identity.
At its core, People Development seeks to strengthen the connection between education and training systems and labour market outcomes, with a strong emphasis on the creation of decent work opportunities. The Programme promotes lifelong learning, equity in access to opportunities, and the development of a resilient, adaptable workforce capable of responding to economic transformation, including the transition to a green and digital economy.
The Programme also aims to cultivate a national ethos grounded in industry, community engagement, and patriotism, empowering Barbadians to thrive locally while competing globally.
PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING UNIT (PDIMU)
The People Development Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PDIMU) serves as the Ministry’s central coordinating mechanism for the planning, implementation, and oversight of national people development initiatives. Established in 2015, the Unit has been strengthened and expanded in recognition of its strategic role in aligning education, training, employment, and national development priorities.
The PDIMU was formed to address key systemic challenges, including fragmentation across programmes and institutions, skills mismatches between graduates and labour market needs, and unequal access to lifelong learning and employment opportunities. Through its work, the Unit supports the creation of a cohesive and demand-driven people development system.
The Unit’s work is aligned with Barbados’ international and national commitments, including:
- International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions No. 122 (Employment Policy) and No. 111 (Discrimination in Employment and Occupation)
- Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- The Declaration of Mission Barbados
- The Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) Plan
Objectives and Core Functions
The PDIMU’s primary objectives are to enhance coordination, strengthen labour market alignment, and improve access to employment and decent work. To achieve these, the Unit undertakes the following key functions:
- Policy Development and Implementation
Leads the development of the People Development Policy, along with supporting legislative and institutional frameworks.
- Strategic Planning and Coordination
Develops and promotes the People Development Strategy to guide workforce development, skills training, and employment initiatives.
- Partnership Development
Coordinates strategic partnerships across public, private, and third sector stakeholders to improve efficiency and reduce duplication.
- Programme Design and Oversight
Supports the implementation and monitoring of key initiatives, including youth employment programmes, skills development, career guidance, and just transition initiatives.
- Industry Engagement
Establishes and supports Sector Skills Councils to ensure employer-driven identification of workforce needs.
- Lifelong Learning Promotion
Advances competency-based education and training systems aligned with labour market demands.
- Monitoring and Evaluation
Strengthens national systems for performance tracking, reporting, and evidence-based policymaking.
- Research and Labour Market Analysis
Conducts research and analysis to inform national planning and policy development.
DRIVING NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PEOPLE
Through the leadership of the PDIMU, Barbados is advancing a modern, inclusive, and coordinated approach to people development—one that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and positions the nation for long-term success in a rapidly changing global environment.
Key Initiatives:
Job Start Plus: The National First Job Initiative
National Career Advisor Network
Just Transition Programme: Green and Blue Jobs
People Development Third Sector Grant Facility
