Shevon Barclay: Building a Future Through Trades

At just 17 years old, St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) student Shevon Barclay is already thinking beyond the classroom, equipping himself with practical skills, developing his leadership abilities and envisioning a future in which his technical expertise can contribute to Jamaica’s development.

The young tradesman, who transferred to STATHS in 2023, is pursuing training in electrical installation, welding, automotive mechanics and construction. His journey reflects a growing appreciation for technical and vocational education and the opportunities it can create for young people seeking practical, career-oriented skills.

For Barclay, however, the journey is about much more than learning a trade. It is also a story of family, perseverance, personal loss and a determination to honour the people who helped shape his life.

“My journey has been a very interesting experience, which was worth it because I learnt a lot of life skills and gained leadership skills as a prefect at the institution,” he explained.

Electrical installation was his primary trade area from Grade Nine through Grade Eleven, and one of his proudest achievements came in Grade Ten when he sat and passed the Level One National Council on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) assessment in electrical.

The accomplishment reinforced his belief in the value of technical education and the importance of acquiring skills that can be applied in everyday life. “What attracted me to technical and vocational education was the undeniable fact that with such knowledge, training and understanding, you can maintain yourself, your family and others around you by being able to do operations which would normally require you to contact a tradesman,” Barclay said.

Inspired by a “Jack of All Trades”

Barclay’s interest in the trades can be traced to his family, particularly an uncle who played a significant fatherly role in his life.

He fondly remembers his uncle, whom he described as a “Jack of all Trades,” because of his ability to undertake plumbing, electrical work, woodwork and other practical tasks. “My uncle was more of a father to me, so he had a very major impact on my life,” Barclay recalled.

His uncle’s versatility left a lasting impression, demonstrating how practical knowledge could empower an individual to solve problems, support a family and assist others.

When his uncle died, Barclay faced one of the most difficult periods of his young life. “For a number of months, it weighed on me that I would have to grow and go through life without his guidance,” he disclosed.

Eventually, he began to channel his grief into a renewed sense of purpose. Rather than allowing the loss to define his future, he used it as motivation to pursue the very skills that had made his uncle such an influential figure. “I was able to overcome it and, using the situation, I realised that I need to live up to his expectations, so I started pursuing trades and along the way I developed a love for it,” he said.

His mother, Melanie Spence, has also remained a central source of encouragement, providing the support and motivation he needs to remain focused on his goals. “My mom is amazing. Time after time, she has made great sacrifices for my siblings and I. The sacrifices that she has made push us to make her proud day by day,” Barclay said.

He described his mother as dedicated, hardworking and loving, noting that reflecting on the sacrifices she has made for her children helps him remain committed to his education and personal development.

“She is a blessed lady, who loves her children, she is very dedicated, hardworking and she always pushes me to do better,” he added.

Finding a Passion in Electrical Engineering

Although Barclay is exploring several trade areas, electrical work remains his favourite. “To me, it’s so interesting how electrical bends physics, advances automation and can make everyday living so much easier,” he explained.

His interest has been strengthened through practical classroom exercises at STATHS, where students use training boards to construct parallel, series and series-parallel circuits.

Barclay recalled how students initially worked in groups of three before progressing to pairs and eventually completing the exercises independently. “I remember slowly working on the boards in groups of three, then groups of two, until you are able to do the entire board on your own,” he said.

“This simple but efficient exercise is what allowed me to be proud and appreciate the knowledge that comes with electrical.”

The experience taught him the importance of patience, repetition and gradually building competence. It also demonstrated how practical training can transform theoretical knowledge into skills that students can confidently apply. Balancing multiple trades with traditional academic subjects, he acknowledged, requires discipline and careful time management.
“I won’t say it’s easy, but it’s definitely manageable, but only if you create a schedule using your time efficiently. In doing so, you set aside time for your trades and subjects,” he advised.

Safety, he added, is another essential lesson for anyone entering a workshop or technical environment. “The most valuable lesson I have learnt is that your PPE, which stands for personal protective equipment, is very, very important when working in a workshop or at school,” he stressed.

“Learning is great, but learning without taking the proper safety precautions is unreasonable and dangerous.”

A Window into the Future of Technology

Barclay’s ambition extends beyond mastering traditional trades. His participation in the IEEE Jamaica Talent and Technology Expo at the AC Hotel in Kingston exposed him to new developments in engineering and technology, giving him a broader understanding of the opportunities available to aspiring young professionals.

He attended the event after being selected by his electrical teacher, who considered him a suitable candidate to benefit from the experience. “I was chosen by my teacher in the electrical field as a suitable person to experience this great event, which gives you the exposure to build connections and learn about ways in which technology is evolving due to the dedication of engineers,” he said.

The expo proved to be an eye-opening experience, allowing him to appreciate the breadth of knowledge and innovation within the engineering sector.

One announcement that particularly captured his attention was Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon’s statement about a new artificial intelligence laboratory at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).

Barclay viewed the facility as an exciting development that could attract more students to engineering, artificial intelligence and other emerging technology fields.

The experience also reinforced his understanding that his current technical knowledge represents only the beginning of a much larger learning journey. “This event has shown me that what I have learnt so far is at nothing but the basics compared to the amount of knowledge out there that I have yet to learn,” he observed.

“These events also show you that there is no time to waste. The moment your focus shifts, the engineering industry slips further and further ahead.”

His curiosity about artificial intelligence has even led him to consider questions about whether the technology could one day interact with natural processes. “One question which lingers based on my response is: will it be possible in the future for AI to function with the atmosphere, for example?” he asked.

“We are aware of the cycle of rain. Will it be possible for AI to speed up the cycle to fall almost at will?”

The question reflects his willingness to think beyond the immediate demands of his trade training and consider how science and emerging technologies might be applied to complex challenges. While manipulating weather systems raises significant scientific and environmental questions, his curiosity demonstrates the kind of inquiry that can encourage young people to explore engineering and research.

For Barclay, the expo was a reminder that continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing technological environment.

He believes young men have a responsibility to remain focused, vigilant and committed to acquiring the knowledge needed to help build a stronger nation.

Dreaming of an Electrical Management Company

Looking ahead, Barclay has a clear entrepreneurial ambition: within the next five years, he hopes to establish his own electrical management company.

His proposed business would connect customers who need electrical services with qualified electricians seeking employment and opportunities to grow their businesses.

The idea comes from observing a common problem in the marketplace: some customers struggle to find an available electrician when needed, while some electricians have difficulty securing consistent work. “My goal for this company will be that the customers would call us and we send the electricians out,” he explained.

Through this model, Barclay hopes to create a more organised system for accessing electrical services while helping skilled tradespeople connect with customers.

The vision reflects an understanding that technical expertise can be complemented by business management, customer service and an ability to identify gaps in the marketplace.

Although the venture remains a future goal, his early interest in entrepreneurship suggests that he is already thinking about how to translate the skills he acquires at school into a sustainable business.

Challenging Perceptions about Young People and the Trades

Beyond his personal ambitions, Barclay wants people to better understand the pressures young people face and the different ways in which students learn and excel.

He believes that young people experience stress and personal challenges that can influence their educational interests and career choices. “A key point to note is that everyone has their own strengths and capabilities,” he said.

“Some persons have a great mental capacity, which allows them to study better and more efficiently for subjects, while other persons have a more physical capability, which enables them to excel in trade areas.”

His perspective is a reminder that academic achievement and practical competence can take different forms, and that technical and vocational education deserves recognition as a valuable pathway to personal and professional success.

For Barclay, choosing the trades is not about limiting his options. Rather, it is about identifying his interests, developing his abilities and building a future through practical knowledge.

He encourages fellow students to remain open to opportunities, especially during the years when they may be uncertain about their direction in life. “Keep trying. There are times in life when we don’t know what we want, and that can be really frustrating, but it doesn’t mean you should stop trying,” he said.

“Follow your heart, instincts, and the Lord will guide you.”

Building a Future through Hard Work

As he continues his studies at STATHS, Barclay remains determined to make his family proud, honour his late uncle’s influence and prepare himself for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

He believes young people must recognise the value of time and use their formative years to explore their interests, acquire skills and lay the groundwork for their futures.

His message to fellow high school students is direct and encouraging.

“I would let them know that as young people, we should push forward day after day to be greater than the day before, so try everything that interests you, go out. Explore the world, take opportunities, build a future set in stone by your hard work, your sweat, your tears, your effort,” he said.

“Build a life worth living.”

At 17, Barclay is still at the beginning of his journey. Yet his determination, practical outlook and willingness to embrace new ideas offer a glimpse of what can happen when young people are given opportunities to discover their strengths and pursue their ambitions.

With his sights set on becoming a skilled electrician, an entrepreneur and a contributor to Jamaica’s technological advancement, the young STATHS student is working to turn the lessons of his past into the possibilities of his future.

For him, success will not simply be measured by the qualifications he earns or the business he hopes to establish. It will also be measured by his ability to support his family, create opportunities for others and make a meaningful contribution to the country he hopes to help build. 

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