ALEX B McFarlane’s journey into engineering did not begin with a rigid plan or a fixed destination. Instead, it started with curiosity and reflection and was nurtured by time. As he puts it, “Like some teenagers, I wasn’t sure entirely what it was I wanted my future to look like.” What he did know, however, even then, was that he was deeply interested in understanding how things worked.

Raised in what he describes as a typical Jamaican household, McFarlane grew up surrounded by strong influences that shaped his work ethic and outlook. His mother, an educator, consistently encouraged him to pursue higher levels of education from an early age, while his father taught him to remain alert to opportunity and to make the most of whatever resources were available. Alongside their guidance, support from relatives, family friends and counsellors helped nurture his ambition and drive.

That foundation was evident early. McFarlane recalls how his mother often spoke about his habit of dismantling objects simply to figure out how they functioned. With her background in education, she quickly recognised his growing fascination with mechanics and systems, noting his interest in understanding the purpose each component served in making things work.

Engineering first emerged as a clear interest when he was preparing to enter grade 10 at Cornwall College. Even then, certainty remained elusive. While pursuing his Associate Degree at Montego Bay Community College and later his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica, McFarlane admits he was still discovering his path. Reflecting on that period, he recalls saying, “I’ll figure it out as I go.”

That clarity began to take shape during his years at UTech, where he lived at Donald Farquharson Hall of Residence. Immersed in student life, McFarlane served in several leadership roles, both within his hall and across the wider university community. Those experiences exposed him to responsibility, collaboration and problem solving on a broader scale. Over time, mentorship from student leaders and teaching professionals helped him begin to narrow his focus and understand what his future could look like.

Through leadership, he began to recognise a natural overlap between guiding people and engineering itself. He later reflected that by being a leader, people often look to you for ideas and solutions, much like they would to an engineer. That realisation helped him see how his leadership skills and technical training could come together within engineering consulting.

At 27, McFarlane describes his future as taking the shape of “an educated mechanical engineer in technological and systematic design,” noting that the field continues to evolve as advancements reshape the industry. He acknowledges that he is far closer to that vision than his younger self could have imagined.

That vision led him to Loring Consulting Engineers, where he works as a mechanical designer. One of the strongest influences in his decision to join the firm was the journey of its CEO Oneil Gayle. As a Jamaican who also began his tertiary education at UTech and lived on the same hall, Gayle’s story resonated deeply with McFarlane. When Loring opened its Kingston office in 2023, McFarlane stepped into what he describes as a fresh unknown, inspired by a firm that places strong emphasis on nurturing young engineers and professionals.

That culture, he says, has lived up to its promise. Entering the workforce as a young professional can be intimidating, particularly in environments where experience carries weight. McFarlane acknowledges the fear of offering the wrong answer in rooms filled with professionals who have years of experience. At Loring, however, he found a supportive environment where knowledge sharing and confidence building were prioritised.

For him, development remains crucial to success.

“Without proper mentorship and support, young professionals are often unprepared to take on greater responsibility,” he said. He stresses that companies play a critical role in shaping the next generation, particularly in industries where young professionals may lack early access to career guidance.

McFarlane hopes to apply higher standards of attention to design and detail within engineering systems across Jamaica. He is driven by the desire to improve efficiency, and make better use of available technology. Within Loring, he aims to continue learning alongside colleagues while contributing to the firm’s effectiveness and long term impact.

“Seek knowledge, build networks and do not be afraid to make calculated mistakes,” he advises those considering engineering as a career. “Progress in science, technology and engineering has always been built on persistence and the willingness to keep searching for better solutions.”

Once uncertain about what his future might hold, Alex McFarlane is now actively shaping it — guided by curiosity, mentorship and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to Jamaica’s development.

Alex McFarlane, mechanical designer at Loring Consulting Engineers, reviews room scans taken by a Matterport device, a specialised 3D camera and spatial data tool designed to scan physical, real-world environments to create high-fidelity, interactive ‘digital twins’..

Alex McFarlane, mechanical designer, Loring Consulting Engineers Limited .