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History of The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic

Named after one of Barbados' national heroes Samuel Jackman Prescod, The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic evolved out of the Technical Institute which was opened in 1952. The Polytechnic was initially located in University Row, Deep Water Harbour, Bridgetown, Barbados but relocated to the current site at Wildey, St. Michael, Barbados, West Indies.

The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, was established in 1969, at University Row, Deep Water Harbour, Bridgetown. In 1972 the Barbados Technical Institute was merged with the Polytechnic which operated branches at Richmond and Grazettes Industrial Park.

In 1975 there was a further extension of the Polytechnic when the Division of Agriculture was set up at Eckstein Village.  Later in the year the main branch of the Polytechnic was removed from the Harbour and re-sited at "Melbourne", Belmont Road in order to make room for the Harbour expansion.

During this period technical and vocational training experienced changes following the building of the new Polytechnic at "Wildey" on eleven (11) acres of land.  The facilities at House-Craft Centre, Bay Street had become inadequate to serve the needs of students and to service the new programmes in Home Economics and so, on May 26, 1982, when the new Polytechnic was opened, expanded programmes offering full- time courses in Home Economics, Clothing Craft, Cosmetology, Industrial Sewing Machines and Garment Making formed the Division of Human Ecology.

Apart from its own programmes, the Polytechnic also provides training for the Barbados Vocational Training Board, students of Secondary Schools, Industrial Workers and teachers of our schools.

Courses Offered

The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic in Barbados offers technical and vocational training in the disciplines of Building, Business Studies, Automotive and Welding, Human Ecology, Mechanical Engineering and Printing, Electrical Engineering and Agriculture. Students receive a diploma and certificate in their area of study.

For over 50 years, Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic has been a leader in the preparation of a highly trained workforce by providing qualified persons with quality competency-based technical and vocational training that responds to the future employment and lifelong needs of its students.

The Institute combines excellence in the delivery of world-class training and education in technical and vocational studies to build and add course offerings in a proactive and dynamic fashion.

Administration

The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic is a Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs & Culture and is managed by a Board of Management of nine (9) members.

The Principal is the Administrative & Academic Head of the Institution.  Other Senior Administrative Staff comprise

• Deputy Principal (Academic)
• Deputy Principal (Administration)

• Co-ordinator (Open and Flexible Learning) 

• Registrar

• Systems Data Base Administrator

• Curriculum Development/Liaison Officer

• Guidance Officer

• Accountant

The Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic has ten Divisions as follows:

• Building
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Printing
• Human Ecology
• Business Studies
• General Studies
• Agriculture
• Motor Vehicle & Welding
• Distance & Continuing Education
• Open and Flexible Learning Centre

Each Division is headed by a Senior member of staff who is designated as Head of Division.

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