Habitat for Humanity® Trinidad and Tobago (HFHTT) has celebrated the successful graduation of 340 participants from its Construction Technology Training (CTT) Programme, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen construction skills, improve livelihoods and promote safer, more resilient communities.
The graduates, comprising 199 men and 141 women, completed training designed to equip individuals entering or already involved in the construction industry with essential theoretical knowledge and practical competencies. The programme is delivered through Habitat’s strategic partnership with the Citi Foundation under the Settle Strong Resilience Initiative (SSRI).
The graduation ceremony was attended by Mitchell De Silva, Citi Country Officer; the Honourable Philip Alexander, Minister in the Ministry of Housing; and representatives of Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago, including members of its Board of Directors and National Director.
The initiative seeks to address housing vulnerability among low-income families, particularly challenges associated with inadequate access to safe housing, climate change and disasters. Through construction technology training, disaster preparedness and the retrofitting of vulnerable houses, the programme aims to empower residents, strengthen infrastructure and enhance community resilience.
Participants received training in key construction areas, including site layout, foundation types, reinforcement options, resilient blockwork, structural supporting members and roofing systems. Through lectures, simulations, team-based learning and practical project activities, they developed skills aligned with the requirements of the construction industry and approved occupational standards.
Building Skills and Creating Opportunities
The programme’s impact extends beyond technical training. It seeks to improve employment prospects, support career development and strengthen participants’ capacity to contribute to the construction sector and their communities.
Feedback has been encouraging, with many participants indicating that the training met or exceeded their expectations. This is particularly significant given that most trainees entered the programme without prior qualifications or experience in construction.
The 340 graduates recognised at the ceremony represent the participants trained through this initiative in Trinidad and Tobago. The participation of 141 women also highlights the importance of expanding access to technical training and encouraging greater female representation in the construction industry.
Jennifer Messiah, National Director at Habitat for Humanity® Trinidad and Tobago, highlighted the importance of the programme in connecting skills development with the organisation’s broader housing and community resilience objectives.
“Through this programme, we are investing in people and equipping them with practical skills that can create opportunities for employment, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to safer construction practices. The achievement of these graduates demonstrates the value of partnerships that go beyond providing immediate support and instead build the capacity of individuals to make a lasting difference within their communities.”
The graduation also provided an opportunity to hear from the participants themselves, with student representative Marlon Layne addressing the gathering on behalf of the graduating class.
“Completing this programme represents an important achievement for all of us. We have gained practical knowledge and skills that we can take into the construction industry and apply in our communities. The experience has given us greater confidence and a stronger understanding of the importance of building safely and correctly.”
Investing in Safer Homes and Stronger Communities
Through its partnership with the Citi Foundation, Habitat for Humanity® Trinidad and Tobago continues to demonstrate how investing in people and practical skills development can contribute to safer housing, stronger livelihoods and more resilient communities. By strengthening participants’ construction knowledge and practical abilities, the programme supports the wider effort to improve housing conditions and reduce vulnerability to hazards.