New MOU Expands Technical Education Opportunities in Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, and Refrigeration
The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and HIPAC Limited, a leading manufacturing company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalising a comprehensive scholarship partnership. This collaboration expands HIPAC’s longstanding commitment to agricultural education and introduces new scholarship opportunities in mechanical maintenance and air conditioning & refrigeration — critical technical fields for Barbados’ growing economy.
Donna Allamby, Sales and Marketing Manager at HIPAC, and Ian Drakes, Principal of SJPI, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony, held at SJPI, represents a significant milestone in the institute’s mission to revitalize and transform technical vocational education across the nation. The scholarship programme will support new and incoming SJPI students pursuing training in:
- Agriculture
- Mechanical Maintenance Engineering
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
“This partnership represents exactly what we need as a nation,” said Ian Drakes, Principal of SJPI. “Our young people are the backbone of Barbados’ future, particularly as we address global food security and capitalise on growth in our hospitality and construction sectors. By partnering with HIPAC—a company that understands the critical importance of technical excellence—we are creating a direct pathway for our students to gain real-world skills and meaningful employment opportunities.”
HIPAC’s commitment to workforce development is rooted in its own operational needs. As a manufacturing company, mechanical engineering and maintenance expertise are essential for maintaining machinery efficiency and ensuring food-safe temperatures in refrigeration systems. This practical alignment ensures scholarship recipients gain skills directly applicable to industry demands.
“We are proud to expand our partnership with SJPI,” said Kitisheana Williams, HIPAC representative. “Our Agricultural Scholarship has supported talented students for many years, and we are excited to broaden our investment in Barbados’ technical workforce. The mechanical and refrigeration sectors represent vital opportunities for young Barbadians seeking stable, high-skilled careers.”
The partnership also reflects HIPAC’s close collaboration with the Barbados Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (BADMC) and the Pig Farmers Association, underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting agriculture and rural development across the island.
Scholarship Details
HIPAC Limited is offering scholarships valued at $3,000 to support Barbadian students pursuing studies in Agriculture, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and Mechanical Maintenance Engineering at SJPI.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be Barbadian students enrolled at SJPI
- Applicants must be under 30 years of age by 1 September of the year of the award
Important Dates:
- Applications close: 25 September 2026
To apply, students should visit the SJPI website and complete the application form.
Expanding Access to Scholarship Information
The MOU signing coincides with the opening of HATI (Hope Agricultural Training Institute), signalling a broader national momentum in agricultural and technical education in Barbados. Together, these developments underscore the government and private sector’s shared commitment to developing local talent in fields critical to the nation’s economic resilience.
“This partnership embodies our core mission: to re-energise technical vocational education and equip Barbadians with the skills they need to thrive,” added Principal Drakes. “We are deeply grateful to HIPAC for this investment in our students, and to our Board of Management, staff, and entire SJPI community for their unwavering dedication to this transformative work.”
About the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI)
The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology is Barbados’ leading institution for technical vocational education, providing students with world-class training in agriculture, mechanical engineering, construction, hospitality, and allied trades. SJPI is committed to revitalising technical education and preparing Barbadians for careers that drive national economic growth and sustainability.
About HIPAC Limited
HIPAC is a manufacturing company dedicated to food production and processing. With deep roots in Barbados’ agricultural sector, HIPAC partners with industry organisations including BADMC and the Pig Farmers Association to support sustainable agriculture and economic development.