Engineering T&T’s Future: Local Talent, Global Tools
October 28th, 2025
Over the past two decades, engineering in Trinidad and Tobago has undergone a steady evolution, driven by shorter project timelines, more advanced tools, and increasing expectations. According to Lendel Bethelmy, President of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago (APETT), the sector is adapting quickly to meet both global standards and local demands.
Precision Engineering Under Pressure
Reflecting on the sector’s transformation over the last 25 years, Bethelmy points to a significant acceleration in project delivery and complexity: “The engineering sector has become much more fast-paced. Compared to earlier years, when project timeframes were considerably longer, today’s demands are significantly more immediate. The introduction of modern tools and software has raised client expectations — engineering professionals are now required to reduce costs and meet increasingly tight deadlines.”
With universities playing a greater role in developing the local engineering workforce, the country now has a deeper pool of trained professionals. This shift has enabled firms to take on larger projects locally instead of outsourcing abroad — a development Bethelmy considers a key milestone for the industry. At the same time, he noted that the increased reliance on advanced technologies and rising performance expectations come with trade-offs. Higher demands can lead to increased employee turnover, as technical teams face mounting pressure to deliver quickly, potentially compromising quality.
Smart Tools, Sustainable Solutions
Bethelmy discusses Trinidad and Tobago’s deepening role across the Caribbean in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools: “This theme regularly features in our technical conference discussions. I think Trinidad and Tobago is leading the region, constantly exploring integration and innovation in engineering systems. There’s considerable adoption of AI, especially in the chemical and industrial engineering streams. There’s also significant integration of BIM (Building Information Modelling) and calibrated tools in three-dimensional engineering and design applications.”
One challenge that APETT’s President has identified with increased automation and the use of digital tools is a noticeable shift away from critical thinking. He stressed that technology should be appropriately managed—utilised as a resource rather than a replacement for human judgment—in order to be effectively integrated into engineering systems.
Local engineering practices are also being shaped by broader global issues, including climate change and sustainability, topics Bethelmy has addressed. “In the civil engineering industry, we actively work to mitigate climate change and undertake resilient designs. We don’t have the resources to create independent standards, so we adopt from other nations and integrate them into our local environment. The need for sustainable engineering largely depends on project funding sources; residential projects have less emphasis on such requirements, while industrial projects are more likely to demand them.”
Shaping Tomorrow Through Engineering Leadership
The President of APETT envisions the engineering sector taking stronger steps to expand its influence locally: “Engineers often take a more reserved approach, so when engineering-related issues of national concern arise, it’s often non-technical voices that are heard before those of qualified engineers. Moving forward, we must collectively amplify our voices—not only through private organisations but also through advocacy groups like APETT—so our expertise can proactively shape national conversations and guide future policy directions.”
Looking ahead, Bethelmy anticipates the sector will continue to confront traditional barriers, such as supply constraints influenced by geopolitical factors, foreign exchange volatility, and evolving demands from funding agencies. “I strongly advocate for the proactive inclusion of technical advisors on government panels, so that there is engineering expertise available from the onset to guide the decision-making process.”
The engineering sector stands at a pivotal moment, poised to drive innovation and resilience in Trinidad and Tobago’s future. With strong leadership and the strategic deployment of technology and local expertise, the sector can shape a sustainable and dynamic national landscape.
By Sheldon Waithe
