HAILING from Palmer’s Cross in Clarendon, Kaydene Barrett’s journey is one of faith, grit, and purpose. Now pursuing a degree in construction management at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), she’s determined to build quality housing for the less fortunate while breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

“I chose this field to be able to build suitable housing for the less fortunate. It has always been a dream of mine, and learning to do it myself from the foundation is truly fulfilling to me,” Barrett said.

Her passion for construction took root early on, inspired by the realities she observed being raised in a community where adequate housing was not always accessible. “Growing up, I saw first-hand how much a safe and sturdy home could change a family’s life,” she said. “That’s where my drive comes from, to be part of building something lasting for my people.”

However, the 23-year-old’s path was far from easy. The challenge of funding her education was significant as she struggled to cover tuition, transportation, and proper housing.

During her second year, the financial pressure almost forced her to pause her studies. “I was going to take a year off to work full-time and make some money to be able to pay my tuition. I had applied for so many grants and scholarships that year and they were all disappointments, but the Lord reminded me that He will always provide for me; therefore, I never took that year off.”

Her perseverance was rewarded when she discovered the National Housing Trust (NHT) construction scholarship through an online poster. Guided by faith, she decided to apply. “I saw the scholarship poster online, I decided to apply because God really showed me that this one is definitely for me and that I will be awarded.”

When the news came that she had been selected, Barrett said she was “overwhelmed with gratitude and [was] super excited”.

Before receiving the scholarship, her education was supported through small side hustles and assistance from her church community. “The NHT construction scholarship has changed my entire lifestyle, as now I am able to focus solely on my studies and participate more in my school activities instead of seeking out [how] to get an income each week.”

Introduced in 2024 as part of a national push to boost Jamaica’s housing and construction sectors, the NHT construction scholarship programme addresses the urgent need for specialised skills in the industry. It offers financial support of up to $1 million annually for selected students pursuing construction-related degrees.

Barrett was among 10 chosen from over 200 applicants and selected through a multi-stage process involving document review, interviews, and evaluation of academic and extra-curricular achievements.

Recipients also get access to networking events, mentoring opportunities, and platforms to engage with industry professionals, improving their understanding of the practical realities of construction in Jamaica.

This support is a stepping stone towards Barrett’s larger ambitions of being an “exemplary woman in the construction field worldwide”. But her goals are rooted firmly in her community. “To become her, I have to first start construction works at the root, which is my community in Jamaica, because every plant does start growing from the root.”

Already, Barrett and her fellow scholarship recipients have benefited from a courtesy call with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness on April 8. During the meeting, Holness commended the students on their respective fields of study, which he said are integral to Jamaica’s growth.

“What the NHT is doing with this project is investing in you, the next generation of people who will build Jamaica,” he said.

Barrett said young professionals have an important responsibility to help shape the country’s construction landscape as they bring “innovation and creativity to the building society in Jamaica”.

Her advice to students considering applying for the scholarship is rooted in faith and diligence. “Trust God, sign up the application form thoroughly and let your voice be heard.”

BARRETT…the NHT construction scholarship has changed my entire lifestyle.