The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) has welcomed its largest-ever intake of new pupils, with 689 students enrolled from over 1 000 applicants for the 2024-2025 academic year. This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s intake of under 600 students.
Principal Ian Drakes attributed the surge to renewed interest in vocational training, demand for skilled workers, and the institute’s affordability and “strategic approach to engaging secondary school students at the decision-making stages.”
Due to the high number of new students, the orientation ceremony was held over two days, beginning on Wednesday. Brenda Osbourne, the deputy principal, acknowledged that many were turned away due to limited resources.
“Your mere presence at this ceremony confirms that you impressed the selection team to gain a place at the SJPI. Please do not disappoint them. Make the best of the opportunity,” Osbourne told the new students.
Department heads highlighted the competitive admissions process, with Ronald Boyce, head of building studies, encouraging students to seize this opportunity, noting that others were still on standby to take their places.
Keynote speaker Arnal Goslin, co-founder of the EKCO Nation charity, delivered a motivational address on personal responsibility and success, urging students to take control of their future through effort, attitude, response, thoughts, and habits(Earth) .
Goslin advised the new pupils that their success would not be determined by their teachers, parents, or circumstances but by how they manage their efforts and attitudes.
“Only you can control your Earth,” he asserted.
