Leading communication and entertainment provider, Flow Jamaica, is making a significant contribution to increasing opportunities in Jamaica and the region for the next generation of engineers.

This was among the areas highlighted at a recent workshop hosted by the Jamaica chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), at the University of Technology titled ‘Towards Expanding Access to Quality Engineering Science Excellence Opportunities in Jamaica‘.

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organisation. 

Mazahurlt Davis, Flow’s director of network services, who was among the panelists, highlighted that the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape in Jamaica relies on a solid foundation in engineering sciences.

He explained that Flow has fostered home grown telecommunications engineering talent through direct hires, specialised training and its Graduate Internship Growth (GIG) programme, which began in 2018.

According to Davis, “Our workforce of homegrown engineers in this field contributes to the design, implementation, management and optimisation of communication systems, playing a crucial role in connecting people and enabling the flow of information across the globe.”

More than 30 interns have benefitted from Flow’s GIG programme which spans all areas of the business, with more than 50 per cent based in the technical areas.

Davis further encouraged young engineering professionals not to be deterred by the requirement for years of experience when applying for jobs. He shared that, soft skills, the ability to articulate their craft well and work under pressure were among the key skillsets being sought by many companies. 

Fellow panelist, Andre Palmer, who represented Symptai Consulting, agreed, while imploring academic institutions to focus on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in their respective training curricula. Palmer further highlighted that leading companies across the region were faced with a shortage of engineers with AI skillsets.

The panel also acknowledged that many engineering graduates were leaving the country because of low salaries, a situation which Palmer suggested required public sector discussion on how to bridge the gap and make salaries more compelling for young engineers. Other panelists were: Olajide Jideyeye who represented Microsoft and Shonari Bullock, a former manager at Digicel.

During an Institution of Engineers Conference last year, Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke said the Government would be redoubling its efforts to produce no less than 3,000 STEM and engineering graduates in Jamaica each year to fill the existing gap.