The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) are continuing to strengthen technical education and workforce development through their ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the first cohort of students expected to begin hands-on training next fall semester on Diesel Engine 11 at BVIEC’s Long Bush facility. Photo: BVIEC

Diesel Engine 11 was the last engine installed in the Long Bush Power Station building and  operated strongly before being decommissioned approximately a decade ago, when BVIEC’s full  generation capacity moved to the Pockwood Pond location. Under the initiative, technical  students from HLSCC will benefit from practical exposure to the engine as part of a real-world  learning experience designed to complement classroom instruction. 

The MOU, originally signed in August 2024 by BVIEC General Manager Dr. Neil Smith and HLSCC  President Dr. Richard Georges, was established to foster cooperation, collaboration, and  partnership between the two institutions in support of training in electronic and electrical  technology, work placements and internships for HLSCC students, and the short-term use of  BVIEC facilities by HLSCC faculty and students. 

Through the agreement, BVIEC and HLSCC will work collaboratively to provide students with  meaningful opportunities and experiences as they prepare for job placement. HLSCC will also  collaborate with BVIEC in the provision of staff, resources, and programme promotion. 

Students participating in the initiative will do so as part of their capstone course over a period  of two semesters. At HLSCC, a capstone course is a culminating academic experience that  allows students to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained to practical, real-world  projects. 

Acting People, Culture and Talent Services Manager Sharie-Ann M. Stapleton said the initiative  reflects BVIEC’s commitment to creating valuable experiential learning opportunities for the  next generation of technical professionals. 

“The General Manager’s vision was simple: to create a space where technical students can  engage directly with the equipment in a meaningful, hands-on way. It is an exciting initiative,  and we are looking forward to the impact it will have,” Stapleton stated.

She added, “The vision is to be able to have the students come, enjoy themselves, open up, take apart, put back together, understand this aspect outside of the textbooks, but more in a physical manner. The hands-on, which would be very exciting for them.”

Cecelia Rowe, Head of Department of Technical and Vocational Education at HLSCC, recently visited BVIEC’s Long Bush facility and expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.

She said, “I can see my marine and automotive students enjoying themselves in this room because, as you would know, the industrial experience filling that gap between practice and theory is what we are trying to do at the college.”

“I believe that actually seeing something in the industry and applying the skills and knowledge that they have, then this would benefit them greatly,” Rowe further expressed.

The initiative underscores both institutions’ shared commitment to bridging education and industry while helping to equip students with the practical skills needed for future careers in technical and vocational fields.

About BVIEC

The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity services to the people of the Virgin Islands. Through innovative projects such as the Solar Technology Energy Programme (S.T.E.P.), BVIEC is driving the Territory’s transition toward renewable energy.