Businesses could face compulsory apprenticeship quotas
Businesses in designated sectors could be required to provide a minimum number of apprenticeship placements annually as a condition of operating in the BVI.
This is based on the draft National Employment Policy (2026–2030), now open for public comment. The draft proposes an Apprenticeship Act to establish common standards and bring existing training initiatives under a national framework.
The legislation would “require designated industry sectors, such as law, the marine and blue economy, and hospitality, to provide a minimum number of apprenticeship placements each year, supported through incentives or, where appropriate, as a condition for operating in the BVI”, the draft states.
The document does not specify placement quotas or penalties for failing to meet any requirement.
The proposed framework would clarify the responsibilities of employers, training institutions and the government, combining off-the-job learning with supervised workplace training leading to recognised competencies and qualifications.
Apprenticeship registry
A centralised apprenticeship registry and a National Mentor-Apprenticeship Programme are also proposed.
The measures seek to address gaps between workforce skills and employer requirements. Stakeholders consulted during the policy’s development reported difficulties recruiting national workers for construction occupations, including plumbing and electrical work. Tourism stakeholders also identified a need for local skills.
However, the draft acknowledges that updated data are needed to establish precisely which occupations face shortages.
“Training capacity remains uneven, and employer investment in workforce development is limited,” the document states.
The policy also proposes tax incentives and shared financing arrangements to encourage employers to invest in training.
Existing programmes already provide placements across government and private businesses. In June 2026, the government announced placements for 217 students through its Summer Apprenticeship Programme, with participants receiving paid stipends.
Earlier this year, the government said it planned to expand RATED into sectors including technology, marine services, hospitality and construction. Nine participants had moved into permanent government positions.
The Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation said the draft seeks to give structure and strategic direction to employment outcomes envisaged in Vision 2036.
Members of the public, organisations and other stakeholders are invited to comment, clearly identifying the sections concerned. Written submissions are due by Friday, 30 October 2026.
Submissions should be emailed to [email protected] with “Public Consultation – National Employment Policy” in the subject line. All submissions received by the deadline will be considered.
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You can legislate all you want, but we have gone to all of the job fairs, etc.,looking for interns and have found one in the last six years that lasted more than two months; that person didn’t last much longer as we are a manufacturing company and he wanted an office job.
Concentrate on “trades” training in the schools and work ethic; on time, every work day, ready to work!
Work ethics is our main issue!
YES YES YES THE SOONER THE BETTER
GOOD LUCK!!!! This is exactly why the BVI is in the s**t it’s in currently.
Businesses in designated sectors could be required to provide a minimum number of apprenticeship placements annually as a condition of operating in the BVI.
Something is wrong with this? Why foreign businesses only?
Is that scope op the program? The writers of this policy should widen their lens a bit. Employers in the retail sector such as supermarkets should be included and required to hire students ages 16-17 for after-school work which is not reserved for adults.
Some students in homes where the breadwinner earns minimum wage could benefit from the extra income. Businesses should consider this as an alternative to sponsoring some of the work permits for foreign nationals. Giving locals a break is worth a lot more than meets the eye. It helps to reduce poverty, keep young people off the streets and teaches them responsibility and work ethics. Do more to help society be a better place for all.
THIS, is great ,great news!
A national policy, finally, for the apprenticeship, up, to, and including, meaningful employment, of our young-the future of this country ..
FFFFIIINNNAAALLLYYYYYY!
THIS IS ALL GOOD AMEND LAWS AND PUT THEM IN PLACE ALSO ENFORCE THEM!!WE ALSO NEED LITTER LAWS THE BVI NEEDS CLEANING AS A TOURIST DESTINATION .THEY PICKING CERTAIN AREAS FOR REMOVAL OF DERELICT VEHICLES WHY? DO AN ISLAND WIDE CLEANING BECAUSE THERE JUST MOVING THEM FROM ONE PLACE TO THE OTHER THAT’S NOT CLEANING THAT’S MOVING WHY ARE PPL ALOWED TO THROW GARBAGE ON THE GROUND AROUND A COMMUNITY BIN IN THE HART OF TOWN,IN PLAIN SIGHT I SEE IT ALL THE AND ASKS THEN IF THEY CANT DO BETTER BUT THERE’S NO LAW TO ENFORCE..THIS IS WHAT THE INCOMING POLITICIANS NEED TO BE PRESENTING A CLEANER BVI, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
While the objective is admirable, isn’t this just one more nail in the coffin of BVI economic development?
Another stupid idea from government. Increase business operating costs, with no increase production/profit. Who do you think is going to be stuck paying for that? The customer that’s who, and the BVI is already so cheap to live or holiday in. Brilliant.