SJPI Principal Eyes Shanghai Tech Partnerships at WorldSkills 2026

In a recent video posted by CBC Barbados, the principal of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology, Ian Drakes, outlined his mission in Shanghai: to secure new partnerships and acquire state‑of‑the‑art equipment for his institute. Drakes, a veteran of Caribbean technical education, framed his participation at WorldSkills 2026 as a crucial step in modernising the workshops that train our young technicians back home. The footage, recorded on 21 September 2026, captures the energy of the Shanghai venue and Drakes’ determination to bring cutting‑edge tools to the Caribbean classroom.

WorldSkills 2026: A Global Stage for Technical Training

The WorldSkills competition, held this year in Shanghai, gathers thousands of young craftsmen and women from dozens of nations to showcase their skills in trades ranging from robotics to automotive technology. For Caribbean educators like Drakes, the event offers more than a showcase; it is a networking hub where ministries, manufacturers and training institutes converge. The CBC Barbados report highlighted Drakes’ focus on meeting manufacturers who can supply modern equipment that is otherwise difficult to obtain in the region.

Drakes explained that the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) is in the midst of a workshop expansion programme. While the institute already offers courses in electrical, mechanical and information technology, many of its tools are ageing and lack the digital interfaces now standard in global industry. By attending WorldSkills, Drakes hopes to benchmark SJPI’s facilities against the latest standards and identify partners willing to donate or discount advanced machinery.

The video showed Drakes walking through the bustling exhibition halls, pointing out interactive displays of CNC machines, 3‑D printers and virtual‑reality training simulators. He noted that such technology could transform the way Caribbean students learn, moving from textbook‑only instruction to hands‑on, industry‑aligned practice. The footage also captured Drakes speaking with representatives from several Asian manufacturers, signalling the start of conversations that could lead to equipment donations or joint training programmes.

For the Caribbean, the significance of this outreach cannot be overstated. Small‑island states often face high import costs and limited bargaining power when acquiring specialised equipment. By establishing direct links with manufacturers at events like WorldSkills, Caribbean institutes can bypass middlemen and secure more favourable terms, ultimately reducing the financial burden on governments and students alike.

Ian Drakes: Champion of Caribbean Technical Education

Ian Drakes, as portrayed in the CBC Barbados segment, is a seasoned educator with a clear vision: to align Caribbean technical training with the demands of a rapidly digitalising global economy. He stressed that the SJPI’s current workshop upgrade is not merely about new machines, but about creating a learning environment that mirrors the workplaces graduates will enter.

In the interview, Drakes highlighted the institute’s commitment to expanding its curriculum to include emerging fields such as renewable energy systems and smart manufacturing. He argued that without exposure to the latest tools, Caribbean students risk falling behind peers in more industrialised regions. The video captured his conviction that partnerships forged in Shanghai could help bridge this gap.

Drakes also underscored the importance of regional collaboration. He mentioned that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been discussing a joint procurement strategy for technical equipment, and that the relationships he builds in Shanghai could feed into a broader Caribbean network. By pooling demand across islands, the region could achieve economies of scale that individual nations could not secure alone.

The principal’s enthusiasm resonated with the broader Caribbean diaspora, many of whom watch the video from abroad and see in Drakes a representative of the region’s ambition to stay competitive. His remarks about “connecting with manufacturers and other countries involved in technical education” echo a long‑standing desire among Caribbean policymakers to diversify the knowledge economy beyond tourism and oil.

Workshop Expansion at SJPI: What Modern Equipment Means

The SJPI’s workshop expansion, as described by Drakes, aims to replace outdated lathes and drill presses with digitally controlled CNC machines that can teach students precision engineering. The video showed a prototype CNC unit on display, prompting Drakes to comment on the potential for students to learn programming alongside traditional machining.

Another focus is on 3‑D printing technology, which Drakes said could revolutionise prototyping for small‑scale manufacturing enterprises across Trinidad and Tobago. By giving students hands‑on experience with additive manufacturing, the institute hopes to nurture a generation of innovators who can design and produce locally, reducing reliance on imported goods.

Virtual‑reality (VR) training simulators were also featured in the footage. Drakes noted that VR could provide safe, immersive environments for students to practice high‑risk tasks such as electrical wiring or heavy‑equipment operation without the danger of real‑world accidents. Such technology could be especially valuable in a region where safety standards are often challenged by limited resources.

The principal stressed that these upgrades are not just about technology for its own sake, but about enhancing employability. By aligning training with the equipment used by multinational firms operating in the Caribbean, SJPI graduates will be better prepared for jobs in sectors ranging from petrochemical processing to renewable energy projects that are increasingly prominent in the region’s development plans.

Potential Partnerships and Manufacturer Interest

During his time at WorldSkills, Drakes engaged with representatives from several Asian manufacturers known for producing industrial automation equipment. While the video did not disclose specific company names, the footage showed Drakes exchanging business cards and discussing the possibility of equipment loans or discounted purchases for the SJPI.

One promising avenue highlighted was a potential partnership with a manufacturer of CNC routers who expressed interest in providing a demonstration unit for the institute’s new lab. Drakes indicated that such a partnership could also include training for SJPI instructors, ensuring that the staff are equipped to teach the latest software and machine‑tool techniques.

The video also captured a conversation about 3‑D printing filament supplies, with a supplier offering to ship a starter kit to Trinidad at a reduced cost. Drakes mentioned that securing a reliable supply chain for consumables is as critical as acquiring the printers themselves, especially for institutions operating on tight budgets.

Beyond equipment, Drakes hinted at broader collaborative programmes, such as student exchanges and joint research projects on sustainable manufacturing. By linking SJPI with institutions in Shanghai, the Caribbean could benefit from knowledge transfer in areas like energy‑efficient production, an area of growing importance as the region seeks to diversify away from fossil fuels.

Implications for Caribbean Skills Development

The initiative described by Drakes has far‑reaching implications for the Caribbean labour market. As the region grapples with high youth unemployment, enhancing technical education offers a pathway to skilled employment that is less vulnerable to global tourism fluctuations. The video’s emphasis on modernising workshop facilities aligns with CARICOM’s recent calls for a skills‑based economic transformation.

By integrating advanced equipment into curricula, Caribbean institutes can produce graduates who meet the standards of multinational firms operating in the energy, construction and manufacturing sectors. This could attract foreign direct investment, as companies often look for a local skilled workforce before committing to large projects. Drakes’ outreach in Shanghai, therefore, is not merely an academic exercise but a strategic move to position the Caribbean as a viable site for high‑tech industry.

The report also touched on the potential for community outreach. Drakes suggested that the upgraded workshops could host short courses for local artisans and small‑business owners, helping them adopt modern techniques that improve productivity and product quality. Such community‑focused training could bolster the informal sector, which remains a significant part of Caribbean economies.

Finally, the video underscored the importance of aligning Caribbean technical education with global standards. By participating in WorldSkills and forging ties with leading manufacturers, the region can ensure its training programmes remain relevant, thereby safeguarding the future employability of its youth.

Looking Ahead: From Shanghai to the Caribbean Classroom

As the CBC Barbados footage concluded, Drakes reflected on the long road ahead. He acknowledged that securing equipment and partnerships will require sustained advocacy, both within the government and among private sector stakeholders. Nonetheless, the optimism in his tone suggested confidence that the connections made in Shanghai will translate into tangible upgrades for the SJPI.

In the months following the WorldSkills event, Drakes plans to present a detailed proposal to the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Energy, outlining the equipment needs, projected costs and the anticipated impact on student outcomes. He also intends to share the insights gained at Shanghai with other Caribbean technical institutes, fostering a regional dialogue on modernising vocational training.

The video’s narrative, while brief, offers a snapshot of a broader movement: Caribbean educators seeking to bridge the technology gap through proactive engagement on the global stage. As the region continues to confront challenges such as climate change, rising living costs and the need for economic diversification, initiatives like Drakes’ workshop expansion could prove pivotal in building a resilient, skilled workforce.

For now, the SJPI’s journey from Shanghai back to Port of Spain remains a story in the making, one that Caribbean communities will watch closely. The hope is that the state‑of‑the‑art equipment and partnerships secured in China will soon find their way into the hands of local students, empowering them to shape a more prosperous and technologically adept future for the islands.

By Sharon Sahatoo, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: CBC Barbados video report (21 September 2026); CBC Barbados; Global1.News