The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is strengthening its efforts to build competence across Jamaica’s workforce through expanded training opportunities, accreditation support services and initiatives designed to help businesses improve performance and competitiveness.

These efforts were highlighted on Tuesday during the Quality Institute’s 2026 Stakeholder Engagement Session at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel.

Held under the theme “Partnering for Quality: Building Competence, Transforming Businesses,” the session brought together representatives from industry, government, conformity assessment bodies and other strategic partners to explore how standards, competence development and collaboration can drive organisational growth and national competitiveness.

Manager of the Quality Institute, Deidre Taylor, emphasised the importance of developing competent professionals who can support business growth and strengthen confidence in Jamaican products and services.

“Building competence is essential to improving organisational performance and ensuring that businesses can effectively apply standards and internationally recognised best practices,” Taylor said. “Through training, professional development opportunities and strategic partnerships, we are helping to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to meet evolving industry demands.”

The Quality Institute delivers its services through three specialised areas: the Training Unit, the National Accreditation Focal Point of Jamaica, and the Certification of Persons Unit, supporting businesses, professionals and conformity assessment bodies at different stages of their quality journey.

Executive Director of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, Dr. Velton Gooden, highlighted the Quality Institute’s role in helping organisations translate standards into practical business improvements.

“The Quality Institute plays a critical role in transforming standards from technical documents into tools that drive organisational excellence,” Dr. Gooden said. “Through training, accreditation support and competence development initiatives, we help businesses and professionals strengthen their capabilities, improve operational performance and enhance their competitiveness.”

He noted that standards alone cannot deliver meaningful results without competent professionals who understand how to implement them effectively.

“At the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, we understand that standards alone do not transform organisations. People do,” he said.

The Quality Institute continues to expand its portfolio of capacity-building programmes, including internationally recognised training and professional development offerings. The Institute is the only licensed Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) Training Centre in Jamaica, achieved PECB Platinum Partner status in 2025, and is registered with the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission.

As part of its ongoing commitment to competence development, the Quality Institute is also advancing preparatory work toward future professional certification offerings aligned with international best practices. These initiatives form part of the Bureau’s broader strategy to strengthen Jamaica’s quality infrastructure and support workforce development.

The Stakeholder Engagement Session provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share perspectives on emerging needs, challenges and opportunities within the quality ecosystem, helping to inform the Institute’s future programmes and priorities.

Dr. Gooden underscored the importance of stakeholder feedback in ensuring that the Quality Institute remains responsive to industry needs.

“Your feedback will help us strengthen our programmes, deepen our partnerships and ensure that our services continue to support the evolving needs of Jamaican industry,” he said.

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica remains committed to expanding access to training, competence development and accreditation support services, helping Jamaican businesses and professionals build the capabilities required to succeed in local, regional and international markets.