Scholarship drive, energy institute to train youth for energy transition

Nearly 100 students will receive financial support to train for jobs in the automotive and energy industries. This is part of a new $262 200 scholarship initiative announced by the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and funded through a partnership with the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank.

The plan also includes the creation of an energy technology institute, the minister for energy said.

The SJPI, in collaboration with the ministries of training and energy, launched the scholarship at a signing ceremony at the Pine technical college.

Minister of Training and Tertiary Education Sandra Husbands emphasised that the initiative goes far beyond financial support. “Through the signing of a non-reimbursable financing agreement under the Sustainable Energy Investment Programme, SJPI has committed to delivering vital training over the next two years, and thanks to the European Union and the American Development Bank, this project has a substantial investment of $262 200.”

Husbands highlighted the broader impact of the scholarship on youth development.

“This alliance ensures that students receive the financial support they need to pursue their education and to become future leaders in the automotive and energy sectors — whether locally, regionally, or globally. We want to make you a global citizen, fit for purpose to compete anywhere in the world, because you have been truly, properly, effectively skilled in your area of choice.”

Launched under the Youth Empowerment Programme, the scholarship provides funding for SJPI certificate, diploma and advanced diploma programmes in refrigeration and air conditioning, with 95 students benefiting.

Beyond financial assistance, it promotes academic and professional development while strengthening collaboration between SJPI and the Ministry of Energy.

Husbands underscored the practical significance for students entering the workforce. “Certain jobs will disappear altogether. It is anticipated that you’ll see approximately 70 million new types of jobs created, but about 90 million will be lost.

We have to help you transition to these new opportunities. What you are receiving here is part of that future, taking you to a higher level.

This is more than just financial support — it’s an investment in the future of Barbados, an investment in your family.”

Minister of Energy and Business Senator Lisa Cummins also outlined plans to establish a dedicated energy transition institute.

She said: “If we are that country that wants to attract global business to our jurisdiction, we need a dedicated tertiary-level energy transition institute to service future young people, the region, and other countries engaged in energy transition. This would be a centre of excellence for advanced training in solar, wind, hydrogen, storage, EVs, digital systems, and all other emerging technologies.

It would act as a hub for research, innovation and entrepreneurship, support business development, investment mobilisation, and wealth creation, and ensure equity so that no community is left behind.”

Senator Cummins outlined a roadmap for the institute’s phased development over the next decade: “In the short term, let’s build the foundation together, expand scholarships, and establish an applied energy laboratory at SJPI to pilot projects, start short courses in solar, EVs and energy efficiency, and produce the first labour market outlook for the energy transition.

In the medium term, over three to seven years, we can formalise the institute with degree and postgraduate programmes, research centres, and launch an energy innovation accelerator, positioning Barbados as a regional hub for clean technology and solutions.”

SJPI principal Ian Drakes said the scholarship reflects a renewed energy and enthusiasm among students: “SJPI is always buzzing, there’s excitement. I’ve seen a group of students this year and I say one word — there’s a buzz about these young persons.

They say ‘we’re having fun.’ The students are enjoying education. That’s why we’re excited about signing this memorandum of agreement, and this speaks volumes internationally. We want to invest in the best resource Barbados has — people.” (SZB)