New scholarships to boost youth careers in construction, auto repair

More than $4 000 in new scholarships is now available to help young Barbadians pursue careers in construction and automotive repair, following the signing of two partnership agreements between the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and local companies Nirvana Construction Inc. and Automotive Art.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), signed on Tuesday at SJPI’s Wildey campus, will provide targeted financial support to students enrolled in masonry and motor vehicle programmes.

Nirvana Construction will fund a $500 scholarship for students from Parkinson Memorial Secondary School entering the Certificate in Masonry programme. Applicants must be Barbadian citizens aged 16 to 18 and submit a recommendation from a school official or coach.

Managing Director Steven Hinds, an SJPI alumnus, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to youth development and the skilled trades.

“We are big on young people. Being in the construction industry, we decided that we need to advance our skilled artisans,” he said.

Automotive Art will award ten $400 scholarships to continuing students in the Motor Vehicle Engineering Technology and Vehicle Body Repair programmes.

General Manager Jamon White called the initiative a small but meaningful investment in the country’s future workforce.

SJPI Principal Ian Drakes welcomed both agreements, noting they help keep technical and vocational education accessible.

“These are exciting times, and they continue with corporate Barbados entrusting us to keep our technical vocational education going in a very positive and dynamic way,” Drakes said.

The scholarships come amid growing national efforts to attract and qualify more young Barbadians in skilled trades, especially in construction and auto care.

For more information, visit www.sjpi.edu.bb or contact SJPI Guidance Officer Shawna Carter at 246-836-7687. Applications close September 30. (SM)