For Danielle Grizzle, a third-year construction management student at the University of Technology (UTech), the dream of becoming a site supervisor and project manager once seemed on the brink of collapse.
“I would cry,” Grizzle shared, reflecting on the emotional toll of sitting out an entire semester due to a lack of funds. “My friends would call me and ask why I wasn’t at school, and I felt so bad.”
Grizzle, like many students in the construction field, relies on limited income from summer jobs, assistance from the Students’ Loan Bureau, and her mother to finance her education. But that wasn’t enough until the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) stepped in.
Thanks to a scholarship awarded by the IMAJ, Grizzle’s academic journey is back on track.
“I was so excited,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how I was gonna fund my school fees this semester due to issues with my student loan. I now know I won’t have to worry about that because it’s covered, so I feel some sense of relief.”
Grizzle is one of five tertiary students who were awarded scholarships by the IMAJ, a leading advocate for professional development and capacity-building in Jamaica’s construction industry.
IMAJ President Richard Mullings said the organisation’s commitment to education is rooted in a broader vision for national development. He admitted that the construction industry is not without setbacks and delays, but the IMAJ is focused on creating solutions and investing in the people who will lead the sector into a new era.
“The IMAJ, for its part, commits to increasing facilitation of training and development of our existing and our potential new workers, through seminars, workshops, webinars, on-the-job training for students in construction and related fields; collaboration with UTech, UWI and other institutions,” said Mullings.
Each year, the IMAJ awards an average of five scholarships to students pursuing studies in construction and engineering. This year’s recipients include Grizzle, Evan Bailey, and Anna-Leah Stewart from UTech, as well as Tyrese Bell and Ian James from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.
For Stewart, a third-year construction engineering student at UTech and vice president of the Association of Construction and Engineering Students, the scholarship couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I am forever grateful,” she said. “Currently, I’m facing a particular hardship, and I can’t see my grades due to an outstanding balance. This scholarship came right in time and will clear the bill.”
Stewart, a past student of The Queen’s School, expressed deep appreciation for programme leader Meisha Paul and the IMAJ for believing in her.
“I have to give thanks to God, Ms Paul, and the IMAJ who have seen my efforts in the programme.”
Another recipient, Evan Bailey of St James, is also pursuing a degree in construction management at UTech. Bailey’s love for construction is more than academic; it’s cemented by family.
He works alongside his brother, a contractor, and together they have registered a business: Solid Foundation Construction Services. Bailey focuses on drafting and estimating, but aspires to run a full-service construction firm, certified and able to sign off on major projects.
“I’m super grateful,” he said. “It’s encouraging. At least my efforts are seen, and it gives me hope to continue doing well. It also helps financially, as the economics can be tight.”
Dr Leighton Ellis, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering at The UWI, echoed the importance of such support.
“An engineering degree is not cheap,” he said. “Many of these students have the brains, but not the wealth, to achieve their goals. Scholarships like these are critical not just to the students, but to the development of the entire construction sector.”
The IMAJ’s commitment goes beyond financial assistance. Mullings emphasised the organisation’s broader focus on training, internships, and policy advocacy.
“We want to work even closer with the government and our partners to advance the interests of the industry,” Mullings said. “We’re committed to increasing our membership, implementing programmes on quality management, ethics, construction law, and a deeper understanding of contracts.”
At a recent IMAJ awards banquet and dance held under the theme ‘The Impact and Opportunities of the New Regime on the Construction Industry’, the scholarship recipients were celebrated among seasoned professionals and policymakers.
Timoy Campbell, president of the Association of Construction and Engineering Students at UTech, shared how challenging it has become for students to stay enrolled due to finances.
“With each semester, it’s getting more and more difficult financially to pay tuition and cover school expenses,” said Campbell. “This scholarship means so much; it’s been an uphill battle for our students, and we thank IMAJ for the help.”
The IMAJ represents every facet of Jamaica’s construction industry from civil engineering to residential and commercial development, and continues to be a champion for progress, integrity, and sustainable growth. At its core, the Association believes that real development is only possible when the future workforce is empowered.
As Danielle Grizzle prepares to return to school, her tears have been replaced with determination.
“This scholarship has lifted a weight off my shoulders,” she said. “Now, I can focus on finishing my studies and one day, managing my own site.”
With students like Grizzle, Stewart, Bailey, Bell, and James forging ahead, the future of Jamaica’s construction industry is not only in capable hands but have been given a real chance to build.
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