The manufacturing industry has become increasingly dependent on technology to improve precision and the consistency of machined products enabling faster and more cost effective production. This sector has the capacity to create high quality products if workers are trained and certified to meet high standards, and they will also be able to deliver high quality products at lower costs. Computer Numeric Control (CNC) is the automation of machine tools that are operated by programmed commands. It allows products to be designed and produced in a fraction of the time required when compared to manual production. Training in the use of CNC technology is thus essential to meet the current needs of the manufacturing sector in Barbados.
The partnership between Ullyett’s Machine Shop Service and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) was developed to train 45 Barbadians in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Machining Level 3. This training programme will significantly benefit Barbados by addressing many of the deficiencies in the manufacturing sector and positioning the sector to compete with imported goods.