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The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.), in partnership with the Amber Group and the HEART/NSTA Trust hosted a two-day orientation programme on July 7 and 8, 2026, officially welcoming the inaugural cohort of 100 students enrolled in the Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence.  The programme is offered through the partnership among the three entities, which have spearheaded the establishment of the National AI Lab, housed at UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus.

The opening ceremony and face-to-face sessions were held on July 7, at the university’s Papine campus, before the programme transitioned to a virtual format on July 8.

Held under the theme, “Empowering Jamaica’s AI Revolution,” the orientation introduced students to the academic, technical and professional expectations of the pioneering programme.

The one-year associate degree will be delivered Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the soon-to-be officially opened National AI Lab at the UTech, Jamaica Papine campus. Components of the Associate degree programme will also take place at the Heart NSTA Stony Hill campus.

The first cohort of 100 students will complete a structured curriculum covering foundational and emerging artificial intelligence technologies, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Python Programming, Data Science, Large Language Models and AI Deployment. Throughout the programme, students will develop practical skills in data analysis and visualisation, machine learning model development, AI application deployment, and responsible AI practices through industry-driven projects.

Speakers on day one of the programme included Mrs. Sharett Oliphant, Acting Senior Career Development Officer (CDO), HEART/NSTA Trust who served as master of ceremonies, Mr. Floyd Garrett, Head of Execution and Strategy, Amber Group Limited, Dr. Nicole Berry, Director Principal, HEART/NSTA Trust, Professor Sean Thorpe, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Computing (FENC), UTech, Jamaica, Ms. Sharon Leslie, Dean’s Assistant, FENC, Mr. Jevon Eccleston, Head of IT, Amber Group, Mr. Solomon Jones, Head of Training, Amber Group, Mr. Clayton Moore, Assistant Registrar, Admissions and Enrolment and Nurse Andrea Pusey, UTech, Jamaica Medical Centre.

Providing students with an overview, Miss Sharon Leslie, Dean’s Assistant, Faculty of Engineering and Computing, shared that students will be introduced to a range of programming languages and AI tools to develop the technical competence to move forward into the industry. She noted that following their training, students will have opportunities to participate in internships and contribute to AI projects that provide practical, real-world experience.

Mr. Floyd Garrett, Head of Execution and Strategy, Amber Group Limited, said the establishment of the National AI Lab represents a bold vision for regional innovation. Speaking to the urgency for Caribbean nations to stop being just consumers of technology to becoming creators of it, he noted that “participants will have the opportunity to combine hands-on, industry-relevant experience with an academic credential that carries real value in today’s marketplace.” 

Mr. Garrett stated that most of today’s leading AI systems have been developed using data, languages and cultural experiences from outside the Caribbean, leaving the region’s realities underrepresented. He said the partnership ultimately aims to build a Caribbean-owned artificial intelligence ecosystem, including future large language models developed by and for Caribbean people.

Encouraging the students to embrace the opportunity before them, Mr. Garrett reminded them that the programme could shape not only their individual careers but also the future of artificial intelligence across the region.

Dr. Nicole Berry, Director Principal of the HEART/NSTA Trust, in her remarks, emphasised that the initiative represents much more than a traditional academic programme: “what you are joining today is not just a training programme. It is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s AI revolution, and you are among the first to carry it forward.”

Highlighting the global significance of artificial intelligence, Dr. Berry said Jamaica must prepare professionals who can build and lead in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, “Jamaica cannot afford to stand on the sidelines of that change. We need people who understand these technologies, who can build with them, and who can lead others through them.”

She also acknowledged that the programme will present challenges but encouraged students to persevere through difficult moments, “Those moments are normal, and they are not a sign that you don’t belong here. They are a sign that you are being stretched and that is exactly what growth feels like.”

Providing a corporate perspective, Mr. Jevon Eccleston, Head of IT for the Amber Group, challenged students to focus on developing practical skills alongside their academic studies.

“The tech industry loves enthusiasm, but it hires for execution,” Eccleston asserted. “Getting an associate degree in AI is a great milestone… but that degree is just the starting line. We don’t hire a piece of paper; we hire people who can prove what they can do. Right now, there’s a massive gap between reading about AI in a textbook and actually using it to solve a real business problem. We helped build this AI lab to completely close that gap.”

Mr. Eccleston advised students that the lab operates as a direct talent scouting ground for roles in Fintech, Telematics, Media, and EdTech.

“Treat every single day in this AI lab as a two-way interview,” Eccleston urged. “When our teams walk into this room, we are excited to teach, but we are also scouting… Your job interview doesn’t start after you graduate; it starts the moment you sit down at these computers.”

The two-day programme provided a comprehensive academic and operational roadmap to fully prepare the cohort for the 12-month programme of study. Students were briefed on the programme’s vision, goals, the enrolment process and were introduced to members of faculty.

The orientation session also equipped students with essential training and live demonstrations on digital learning management systems (LMS), platform logins, AI lab access, and cloud tools. Students were also provided with information on student life, culture, and code of conduct covering campus resources, disciplinary policies, residential logistics, and mental health and wellness support.