The CB Group’s recent completion of the Power Up solar project is a leap forward in Jamaica’s renewable energy capacity and a landmark achievement in women’s empowerment within the sector. Under the leadership of Angella Rainford, CEO of Soleco Energy, this initiative has set a new benchmark for diversity and inclusion by significantly exceeding industry norms in female workforce participation.

In an industry where typically only about three per cent of the workforce on such projects are women, the Power Up initiative proudly boasts more than 15 per cent female participation in its construction phase.

“More than 15 per cent of the workforce constructing this project were women. And to put into context, on average, it’s only around three per cent of the workforce that are women building projects like this. So we went above and beyond,” Angella Rainford commented. She emphasised the thoroughness of the recruitment and the extensive training provided. “We didn’t just recruit women off the streets and tell them, ‘Look, you need to do something.’ We went above and beyond to find women and to train them. This also went in conjunction with a solar training programme that we held to have them involved in the projects.”

The training programme, part of a broader initiative to foster sustainable skills in the community, highlights the project’s dual goals of advancing clean energy and promoting gender inclusivity. By investing in specialised training, CB Group and Soleco Energy are ensuring that women are not just participants but skilled professionals contributing significantly to Jamaica’s energy sector.

The involvement of women in significant roles goes beyond mere participation. They influence every stage of the project, from construction to permitting, a process that cannot proceed without government collaboration. This proactive approach to training and employing women in key aspects of the project underscores a significant shift towards more inclusive practices in industrial projects across the region.

Matthew Lyn, CEO of CB Group, sees this as a stepping stone towards a broader transformation. “This is more than just a project; it’s a model for the future,” he stated. “By integrating diversity and empowerment into our core operations, we aim to inspire other companies within the Caribbean to rethink how they implement sustainability and inclusion.”

The Power Up project not only serves as a beacon for renewable energy but also as a powerful catalyst for change in the professional landscape. It is empowering women to not just participate, but to lead and innovate, in sustainable technology sectors, instilling a sense of hope for a more inclusive future.