Fostering Growth in Local Manufacturing -Luz Tejada, Pepsi Cola Jamaica's Commercial Director, passionately discusses the benefits of the apprenticeship model during the Enhancing Labour through the Apprenticeship Model panel at the JMEA Manufacture 360 conference. Tejada highlighted Pepsi Cola Jamaica's effective strategies in workforce development, which are making a substantial impact on local manufacturing and employment opportunities.
Pepsi Cola Jamaica's Commercial Director, Luz Tejada, was pivotal in the panel discussion "Enhancing Labour through the Apprenticeship Model" at the recent JMEA Manufacture 360 conference. Tejada shared valuable insights into Pepsi Cola Jamaica's (PCJ) strategies for workforce development and their significant impact on local manufacturing and employment.
During the panel, Luz Tejada highlighted the critical role of on-the-job training programs at PCJ. "People are our best ingredient," Tejada remarked, emphasising the company's commitment to nurturing talent from within through comprehensive apprenticeship and training programs. These initiatives prepare employees for key positions within the company and align with PCJ’s strategic investment in Jamaica, including a recent $30 million expansion to enhance production capabilities.
Tejada also discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements and labour shortages. She outlined how Pepsi Cola Jamaica’s partnership with educational institutions like the Caribbean Maritime University has been instrumental in advancing the company's operational goals ahead of schedule, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to meet growing demands.
Expert Panel Sheds Light on Apprenticeship Advantages in Manufacturing– From left to right: Dr. Taniesha Ingleton, Managing Director of HEART/NTSA Trust; Tania McDonald-Tomlinson, Director of Strategic Workforce Management at JPS; Daniel Tromans, Ph.D.; and Luz Tejada, Commercial Director at CBC and Pepsi Cola Jamaica, participate in a crucial discussion on enhancing manufacturing skills through apprenticeships at the recent JMEA Manufacture 360 conference.
The panel provided a platform for Tejada to illustrate PCJ’s commitment to the local community and economic development. "Our long-standing commitment to Jamaica is demonstrated by our continuous investment and deep involvement in the community," said Tejada during the panel. In a follow-up interview, she shared that Jamaica ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of PepsiCo's market share. Tejada also discussed the company's short-term goal to have all key roles filled by Jamaicans, highlighting PCJ’s dedication to investing in local talent and leadership development.
As the manufacturing sector evolves, Luz Tejada's insights at the JMEA Manufacture 360 conference underscore PCJ’s proactive approach to adapting to new challenges and ensuring sustainable growth. Her participation in the panel reinforced PCJ’s position as a leader in the manufacturing industry and corporate responsibility.
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