The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and The Government Industrial School (GIS) announce collaboration to provide skills training to wards of the GIS
On Wednesday 8th, March 2023, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and the Government Industrial School (GIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This formal partnership will allow wards transitioning out of the GIS to matriculate into full-time programmes at the SJPI following their release.
Principal of the SJPI, Ian Drakes, expressed his excitement about signing the MOU. He explained that Wednesday’s signing was the result of discussions which started a few years ago under the past Principal of the GIS.
Drakes said the agreement was part of the SJPI’s efforts to expand the institution’s reach in the community. This effort would provide the education and skills training necessary for those young people who have run afoul of the law to enter the world of work with skills, and meaningfully contribute to their families and the country when they reintegrate into society.
He further stated, “When these young people graduate from the SJPI, they will have the necessary skills to not only seek employment but to become entrepreneurs, to earn a decent living and contribute to the growth and success of the economy of Barbados.”
Under the newly minted agreement, both entities agree to explore opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, namely the annual provision of technical and vocational education and training for discharged residents of the GIS into established programmes at the SJPI.
Seilest Bradshaw, Principal of the GIS, expressed her organization’s gratitude for the opportunity.
She said, “On behalf of the administrators, the staff and the residents of the GIS, we would like to thank you for this opportunity which you are extending to our residents. I know we had a long relationship with the SJPI even before now, but what we’ve done this morning has concretized what was started and made it formal.
“The signing has paved the path for more of our residents who need a second chance. I am happy that you have seen that the Government Industrial School deserves such a chance. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with the SJPI and hope that many GIS students will reap the benefits of this collaboration.”
Upon successful completion of the programme, the students will be awarded SJPI certificates, CVQ/NVQ certification or both. Candidates will be able to apply for all programmes offered by the SJPI.
The SJPI offers Certificate and Diploma qualifications in over fifty Technical Vocational Programmes across seven divisions including, but not limited to, agriculture; building; home economics; and beauty therapy.
The signing took place at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.