NESC-TI Students Begin Study Abroad Week in Jamaica Exploring Agrovoltaic Innovation
Eight students from NESC Technical Institute (NESC-TI) are in Portland, Jamaica this week (May 4-9 2026) participating in a study abroad programme at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), focused on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
The programme, which begins today, forms part of an ongoing collaboration under a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions and reflects NESC-TI’s continued investment in internationally relevant, hands-on training opportunities.
Over the course of the week, students will engage in practical learning at CASE’s agrovoltaic farm, where solar energy systems are integrated with agricultural production. This exposure is designed to strengthen technical competencies while providing insight into emerging, cross-sector approaches within the energy and agriculture industries.
“This programme is designed to give our students both technical exposure and a broader regional perspective. By engaging in applied work at the intersection of energy and agriculture, our students are developing the kind of integrated, future-focused skillsets that industry is increasingly demanding. This is the standard we are setting for technical training at NESC-TI.” said Kern Dass, President at NESC-TI.
The programme aligns with national priorities around workforce readiness, sustainability, and innovation within the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector.
In addition to their technical training, the programme includes scheduled opportunities for students to experience Jamaican culture and cuisine, fostering a broader regional perspective. As part of the exchange, the group will host a “Trinidad Night,” during which they will prepare Trinbagonian dishes for faculty and students at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, creating a shared cultural experience and strengthening regional connection.
Students are expected to return to Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, bringing back practical insights to support their continued development in the renewable energy field.
NESC-TI continues to pursue regional and international partnerships to enhance programme delivery and position its graduates for both local and global opportunities.