Students of the Barbados Community College’s (BCC) Mechanical Engineering programme concluded their studies on a high note by successfully presenting projects they had been developing throughout the final semester.
While the second years are not strangers to presentations, these sessions serve as the culmination of their hard work and an opportunity to apply all of the skills they’ve learnt at the BCC.
Mechanical Maintenance Technician in the Technology Division, John St. Rose described the growth he saw in the students as inspiring and hopes their future employers will also recognise the potential evident in all of them.
“Some, from the very beginning, were very shy about using the equipment. Some had never even used spanners or hand tools before. But by giving them introductions, demonstrations, proper instruction, and guidance on how to position themselves and work safely, many have shown tremendous growth,” he said.
A standout group was led by BCC Mechanical Engineering student Amauri Alleyne-Raley, who presented their pneumatic hole punch machine, a device that cuts holes in sheets of metal using pressurised air.
Revealing the difficulties they faced completing the project, Amauri confessed that twenty minutes before the presentation, their machine broke. Despite this obstacle, his team managed to recover and deliver a highlight display for the tutors and guests in attendance.
He said, “honestly, I’m proud of everyone and what they’ve done throughout the semester.”
Amauri is excited to continue his studies in Trinidad and encourages anyone interested in engineering to consider the BCC.
“The teachers are there to guide you. They don’t ridicule you when you make mistakes because that’s part of engineering, and that’s what I admire about the course at Community College.”
Mr. St. Rose thanked everyone who attended and invited those who couldn’t make it to the Technology Expo on the June 19th, where some of the projects presented will be on display.
Open to the public, the Technology Division is eager to expand its expos and its influence, all in the aim of creating a more educated and technically equipped Barbados able to compete and exceed its competition on a regional and international level.