JEP Group, UTech forum connects students with Jamaica’s energy future

High-school and tertiary students gained first-hand insight into Jamaica’s evolving energy sector at Classroom to Grid: Jamaica Energy Education Forum 2026, a collaboration between Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group and the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica.

Held under the theme’Learning Today, Powering Tomorrow: Building Jamaica’s Energy Future’s the forum linked classroom learning with real-world industry experience through discussions on electricity generation, energy security, clean energy technologies, electric mobility and career opportunities in the energy sector.

The opening ceremony featured guest speaker Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport; Shermaine Barrett, deputy president and provost, UTech, Jamaica; and Wayne McKenzie, president and CEO of JEP Group.

Students participated in sessions led by university lecturers and industry experts who explored topics ranging from electricity systems and energy security to Jamaica’s energy transition and the role of cleaner technologies. Presenters demonstrated how concepts taught in the classroom are applied daily across the country’s energy infrastructure.

Electric mobility was a major focus of the programme. Representatives from Evergo Jamaica showcased electric vehicle charging technology and provided live demonstrations, giving students an opportunity to engage directly with emerging transportation solutions.

The event also featured exhibits from organisations including the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), Petrojam, and several UTech student groups. These displays highlighted the links between energy education, engineering, innovation and professional development.

A career-focused segment examined the qualifications, skills and employment opportunities available across the industry. Discussions highlighted pathways in engineering, technical trades, operations, environmental management, digital technology and business support, while emphasising the importance of communication, teamwork and continuous learning.

Students also participated in a panel discussion with representatives from academia, industry and professional engineering organisations, providing an opportunity to ask questions about career preparation and contributing to Jamaica’s energy future.

According to JEP Group, the forum was designed to bridge the gap between education and industry by exposing students to the technologies, professionals and career pathways shaping the country’s energy sector. The initiative forms part of broader Energy Month activities aimed at encouraging greater public awareness of energy issues and opportunities in Jamaica.