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Frank Walcott Labour College

About Our College

The Frank Walcott Labour College is a tertiary institution in Barbados established in 1977. The college is named after Sir Frank Walcott, a prominent Barbadian trade unionist and politician who played a significant role in developing the country’s labour movement.

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The idea of establishing a labour college in Barbados was first proposed in the early 1960s by the Barbados Workers Union (BWU), one of the island’s largest trade unions. However, in the late 1970s, the college was officially opened after years of planning and fundraising by the BWU and other organisations. 

Its programs cover a wide range of topics, including labour history, economics, law,  organisational management, and other worker-related topics.

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Over the years, the College has expanded its programme offerings and forged strategic partnerships with several institutions. Most recently, between 2023 and 2025, it has collaborated with the National Transformation Initiative (NTI), the Venezuelan Institute for Culture and Cooperation, and the Confucius Institute. The College has also played a critical role in shaping the region’s labour movement, equipping generations of trade unionists and activists through education and training.

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In addition to its educational programs, the college is home to several research and advocacy initiatives. These include the Frank Walcott Labour Library, which houses an extensive collection of books, journals, and other materials on labour and social justice issues, and the Social Justice Foundation, which advocates for policies and programs that promote equality and fairness in the Caribbean and beyond.

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Today, the Frank Walcott Labour College remains a vital institution in the Caribbean’s labour movement, providing education and training to workers and trade unionists and promoting social justice and human rights. 

College Mission

The college’s mission is to provide education and training to workers and trade unionists, with a particular emphasis on developing leadership skills and promoting social justice.

Training Programme

As always, the education and training programmes offered remain rooted in the philosophy of the Union, with a continued commitment to empowering members through knowledge in areas that affect them both as workers and as citizens.

2025 Workshop Registration Form

Have you previously registered for Frank Walcott Labour College 2025 Courses?
Yes
No
Date of birth
Day
Month
Year
Age
16-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
56-65
65+
Sex
Female
Male
Other
Are you a shop steward?
Yes
No
Are you a member of the Barbados Workers' Union?
Yes, I am a member
No, I am not a member and I am not interested in joining
No, I am not a member but I am interested in joining

Upcoming Training and Education Opportunities

Regional Integration and the Barbadian Worker

July 4, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This one-day workshop aims to educate participants on the role and significance of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) in shaping labour, trade, and development policies that affect workers in Barbados. The sessions will focus on exploring opportunities for workers, understanding the implications of regional integration, and fostering a collaborative approach to address challenges.

The Labour Movement, Social Justice and Reparations

July 8, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop explores the intersection of the labour movement, social justice, and reparations, highlighting their collective role in addressing historical injustices and promoting equity. Participants will examine the movement’s impact on workers’ rights and its potential to drive meaningful societal change.

Trade Union Leadership and Administration

July 11, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required for effective trade union leadership and administration, covering organizational management, strategic planning, and member engagement.

Basic Project Management Essentials

July 25, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop covers the fundamental principles of project management, including planning, execution, and monitoring, to equip participants with the tools needed to successfully manage and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Introduction to Public Speaking

September 3, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop provides participants with the fundamental skills and techniques needed to deliver confident and engaging presentations. Attendees will learn to structure speeches, overcome anxiety, and communicate effectively with various audiences.

Presentation Skills for Work

September 9, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop equips participants with essential presentation skills to communicate ideas effectively in professional settings. Attendees will learn techniques for planning, delivering, and enhancing workplace presentations with confidence and clarity.

Digital Skills for Non-IT Professionals

September 11, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop introduces non-IT professionals to essential digital skills, including navigating productivity tools, managing online collaboration, and leveraging technology for workplace efficiency. Participants will gain practical knowledge to enhance their digital competency and adapt to modern work environments.

Introduction to Sustainability

September 23, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop provides an overview of sustainability practices, focusing on strategies to reduce environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and foster social responsibility. Participants will learn practical steps to integrate sustainable practices into their workplaces and communities.

Basic Project Management Essentials

September 25, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop covers the fundamental principles of project management, including planning, execution, and monitoring, to equip participants with the tools needed to successfully manage and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Introduction to Diversity and Inclusion

September 30, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop introduces participants to the principles of diversity and inclusion, focusing on creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered. It will explore the benefits of diverse workplaces, the impact of unconscious bias, and practical strategies to foster inclusivity.

The Fundamentals of Retirement Planning

October 1, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop equips participants with essential knowledge and tools to effectively plan for retirement, covering key topics such as financial preparation, pensions, and personal goal-setting. Attendees will learn practical strategies to secure a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Customer Service Excellence

October 7, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop focuses on delivering exceptional customer service by equipping participants with the skills and mindset needed to exceed customer expectations. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication, problem-solving, and building lasting customer relationships.

Stress Management Techniques

October 15, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop equips participants with practical techniques to manage stress, improve resilience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Attendees will learn strategies to identify stressors, develop coping mechanisms, and foster overall well-being.

Decent Work and Social Justice

October 17, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Explore the principles of decent work, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and workers' rights. Learn how promoting social justice in the workplace contributes to equity, dignity, and sustainable development.

Introduction to HR for Non-HR Professionals

October 21, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop provides non-HR professionals with a foundational understanding of key HR functions, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations. Participants will learn practical HR skills to enhance team management and workplace effectiveness.

Crisis Management in the Workplace

October 28, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop provides participants with essential strategies for managing workplace crises, focusing on effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Attendees will learn how to handle emergencies, mitigate risks, and maintain stability during challenging situations.

Fundamentals of Employment Contracts

November 4, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop provides participants with a practical introduction to employment contracts, covering key terms, rights, and obligations for both employers and employees. Attendees will gain the knowledge to understand, evaluate, and navigate contracts with confidence.

The Labour Movement, Social Justice and Reparations

November 11, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop explores the intersection of the labour movement, social justice, and reparations, highlighting their collective role in addressing historical injustices and promoting equity. Participants will examine the movement’s impact on workers’ rights and its potential to drive meaningful societal change.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

November 18, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop equips participants with practical strategies to effectively resolve workplace conflicts, emphasizing clear communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving. Attendees will learn techniques to address disputes constructively, strengthen relationships, and foster a positive and cohesive work environment.

Trade Union Leadership and Administration

November 20, 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. This workshop focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required for effective trade union leadership and administration, covering organizational management, strategic planning, and member engagement.

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