Bridgetown, Barbados (30 April 2025) — The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) has concluded a six-day series of workshops aimed at preparing students for the workforce, focusing on the theme “Stepping into the Future: Workplace Readiness & Professionalism.”
Held from 24 to 30 April, the workshops covered critical topics such as communication, time management, industry expectations, insurance, and financial planning. These sessions served as a crucial preparatory phase for students set to begin job attachments from 12 May.
Sabrina N. Weekes, SJPI’s Curriculum Development and Industrial Liaison Officer, emphasised the dual objectives of the workshops. “For students, the aim was to reinforce employability and soft skills alongside industry expectations and the professional standards necessary for success in the workplace,” Weekes stated. Instructors also participated in an orientation held on 22-23 April to empower them as they guide students through the attachment process.
More than 500 individuals attended the workshops, including students from various programmes, Heads of Divisions, and instructors. Industry experts and HR professionals led sessions, including Winifred Williams and Rashida Beckles-Yarde, who discussed aligning skills development with industry demands. Beckles-Yarde, an HR manager in the hospitality industry, underscored the importance of soft skills, such as problem-solving and adaptability.
“The personal responsibility for success starts with how students present themselves from day one,” Beckles-Yarde remarked. “It’s important for them to embrace the strategies discussed and adapt to the professional world.”
Participant feedback highlighted the workshops’ impact. One student noted, “These sessions equipped me with the tools I need to succeed in my job attachment and beyond.”
Andrea Phillips, an auditor with the Barbados Revenue Authority, assisted participants by facilitating registrations for TAMIS and delivering essential tax information. The SJPI Media Resource Centre also contributed to the event with a visual display booth focused on enhancing CV writing and employability skills.
Coordinated by Weekes and her team, these workshops are set to become a staple of future job attachment programmes at SJPI, ensuring students are well-prepared to make a strong impression in the workforce.
As the job market continues to evolve, SJPI’s commitment to enhancing student readiness positions its graduates for success in a competitive environment.