The Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport in collaboration with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), has officially launched the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP) Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme. The initiative is focused on advancing gender equality and building local capacity in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

Funded by the Canada Clean Energy and Forests Climate Facility, the RESDP Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme is specifically designed to support young women pursuing careers in technical fields related to renewable energy. The initiative aims to reduce the gender disparity in science and engineering professions, and foster a new generation of female leaders in Saint Lucia’s energy transition.

The scholarship programme supports both the Associate Degree and Certificate programmes offered by SALCC in areas aligned with renewable energy development.

Chief Energy and Public Utilities Officer (Ag.) Mr Kurt Inglis, said: “We recognize that capacity does not innately exist in Saint Lucia, and currently under the Renewable Energy  Sector Development Project, we are offering fully-funded  scholarships for young women to attend the SALCC. There is a six-month internship afterward, and we are also bringing in our young men.”

The subjects students can pursue include: Computer Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Foundations of Air Conditioning Systems Foundation to name a few.

More information is available via the websites of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College or the Renewable Energy Sector Development Project (RESDP).