The Frank Walcott Labour College
About Us
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.
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, and organisational management.
Over the years, the college has expanded its offerings and established partnerships with other institutions and organisations in the Caribbean and beyond. It has also played an important role in developing the region’s labour movement, training generations of trade unionists and activists.
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.
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.
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 provided are grounded in the philosophy of the Union, with a commitment to the general education of the membership in areas impacting them as workers and citizens.
Union members and non-members who are interested in participating in any of these courses can either register here, contact us through the form below or email us at fwlabourcollegebwu@gmail.com to indicate their desire to participate.
Please take a look at our upcoming FREE educational programme.
Conflict Resolution for the Workplace
Thursday, June 15 || 9AM – 1:00PM || Solidarity House
The conflict resolution in the workplace workshop is designed to provide participants with the skills and strategies necessary to manage and resolve conflicts that arise in the workplace effectively. Through interactive activities and case studies, attendees will learn to identify the root causes of conflicts, communicate effectively, and collaborate to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Communication in the Workplace
Tuesday, June 20 || 9AM – 1:00PM || Solidarity House
The communication in the workplace workshop aims to enhance participants’ communication skills and create a more productive and collaborative work environment. Attendees will learn to communicate effectively through active listening, clear messaging, and nonverbal cues while also understanding how to navigate difficult conversations and conflicts.
Introduction to Personal Financial Management
Thursday, June 22 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The Introduction to Personal Financial Management workshop is designed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills needed to manage their personal finances effectively. Attendees will learn about budgeting, saving, debt management, and investing, enabling them to make informed financial decisions and achieve their long-term financial goals.
Occupational Health and Safety
Tuesday, July 11 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The safety and health in the workplace workshop aim to promote a safe and healthy work environment by providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and prevent workplace hazards. Attendees will learn to recognise common workplace hazards, develop safety protocols and procedures, and implement strategies to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries.
Negotiations and Collective Bargaining
Tuesday, July 18 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The Negotiations and Collective Bargaining workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to negotiate effectively in a unionised workplace. Attendees will learn about the collective bargaining process, legal frameworks, and negotiation techniques, enabling them to reach mutually beneficial agreements with union representatives and maintain positive labour-management relations.
Stress Management: Techniques and Strategies for a Healthier You
Thursday, July 20 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The Stress Management workshop aims to help participants develop techniques and strategies to manage stress and promote overall well-being. Through mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and stress-reducing exercises, attendees will learn to identify the causes of stress and implement coping mechanisms to improve their physical and mental health.
Customer Service Training for Banking Professionals
Tuesday, July 25 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The Customer Service Training for Banking Professionals workshop is designed to equip attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide excellent customer service in a banking environment. Through case studies, role-playing, and interactive activities, participants will learn how to communicate effectively, handle customer complaints, and develop lasting customer relationships to increase customer satisfaction and retention.
Empowering Young Workers for a Sustainable Future
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY FORUM
Thursday, August 10 & Friday, August 11 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The Empowering Young Workers for a Sustainable Future workshop aims to prepare young workers to become leaders in promoting sustainability and social responsibility in the workplace. Attendees will learn about sustainable business practices, ethical decision-making, and how to engage with their employers and colleagues to create positive social and environmental impact, helping to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
HR for Non-HR Professionals
Tuesday, August 29 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The HR for Non-HR Professionals workshop provides participants with an understanding of HR best practices and the skills needed to effectively manage HR-related tasks and responsibilities. Through interactive activities and case studies, attendees will learn about recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and other HR functions, enabling them to make informed decisions and support their organisation’s HR goals.
Labour Legislation for Non-Legal Professionals
Thursday, August 31 || 9AM – 4PM || Solidarity House
The Labour Legislation for Non-Legal Professionals workshop is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the key labour laws and regulations that affect the workplace. Attendees will learn about employment standards, human rights, and health and safety laws, enabling them to comply with legal requirements and make informed decisions regarding their organization’s policies and practices.
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