Future Energy Experts

DIPT Collaborates with the World Bank to Launch Women in Energy Mentorship and Role Model Programme

A new initiative is set to inspire and empower young women in the energy sector. The DIPT in collaboration with the World Bank and Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) will host a new initiative set to inspire and empower young women in Saint Lucia’s renewable energy sector, namely, the PowHER Energy Mentorship Programme.

This initiative builds on the ongoing DIPT-RESDP Scholarship and Apprenticeship Programme (SAP), which since 2022 has supported young women in pursuing technical studies in electrical and mechanical fields. The scholarship program also includes apprenticeships that have already led to job placements for some graduates.

The mentorship and role model programme is designed to offer structured guidance, real-world exposure, and networking opportunities to help participants bridge the gap between education and employment.

It will support three groups of participants:

• Participants from the first and second cohorts of the DIPT-RESDP SAP,
• Participants from the third cohort, currently enrolled, and
• Past students of the Mechanical and Electrical Department of the SALCC.

The six-month programme will be delivered primarily online, with one in-person networking event and a networking activity designed to raise awareness and inspire future energy professionals.

Participants will receive:

• One-on-one mentorship with experienced professionals from the public and private energy sectors, academia, civil society, the World Bank, and other multilateral partners.
• Technical training sessions covering renewable energy technologies, project development, policy frameworks, and industry trends.
• Soft skills workshops focused on communication, leadership, and teamwork.
• Job readiness training including resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
• A virtual job fair connecting mentees to recruiters and hiring managers in the energy sector.
• Alumni engagement sessions where former programme participants share their career journeys and insights.

The DIPT looks forward to the success of this initiative as it unfolds.

Hand-Over Ceremony for 22 DIPT-RESDP Scholarship Recipients Held

On September 3, 2025, the DIPT, in collaboration with the SALCC, hosted a hand-over ceremony to present toolkits to twenty-two scholars of the DIPT-RESDP SAP.

The fully equipped toolkits presented during the ceremony, contain all the tools required for the students to continue their studies and practical training in their respective courses. “Receiving this toolkit means so much more than just getting equipment, it represents the opportunities this programme has opened for us,” said Celesse Avril, a second-year scholarship recipient. “With the support of this scholarship, I feel fully prepared to complete my studies and start a career in the energy sector, proving that young women can thrive in technical fields.” The hand-over of toolkits to the current cohort reflects the project’s ongoing commitment to reduce the gender gap in employment in technical jobs in the energy sector.

The DIPT congratulates all twenty-two scholarship recipients and commends their dedication to pursuing careers that will contribute to the island’s sustainable energy development.

For more information and updates, visit www.salcc.edu.lc or www.sluresdp.com/scholarships-apprenticeship-program