As the WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for the Americas, Sonya not only represented Jamaica in Mobile Robotics at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition, but also embodies the diverse possibilities for today’s skilled youth through her multiple roles as an engineer, environmental advocate, and rural development advocate.

From the local arena to the global stage: an engineer’s breakthrough

Sonya graduated from the Caribbean Maritime University in Kingston, Jamaica, majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering. In Jamaica, Mobile Robotics is not a mainstream skill — it is “not even popular.” However, it was her passion for programming and her problem-solving mindset that drove her to resolutely pursue this field.

Her journey to WorldSkills began when she was encouraged by a friend who was a WorldSkills Champion. With that support, she competed in the national selection competition and stood out for her strong technical ability and calmness under pressure. She was ultimately selected to represent Jamaica at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition in Bordeaux, becoming the only female competitor in Mobile Robotics that year.

“It was a life-changing opportunity,” Sonya recalls. Preparing for the Competition was challenging, but she learned to manage her time under pressure and remain confident in the face of setbacks. “Even when nothing seemed to be working out, you have to keep going.” The experience not only strengthened her professional skills but also reshaped her view of career paths — skills are not a second-best option, but a powerful pathway to innovation and impact.

Sonya currently works in the renewable energy sector as a sales engineer at a company specializing in solar power. She is passionate about solar energy systems. “It’s just amazing what we can do,” she says. Although the initial cost remains an obstacle for many households, she sees a steadily growing market in Jamaica. Concerned about extreme weather events caused by global warming, she strongly believes that promoting solar energy is “extremely important for future generations” — a win-win solution that both creates a safer environment and delivers financial savings.

Mission of the Global Dream Ambassador: promoting skills education and empowering rural youth

As a Global Dream Ambassador, Sonya hopes to use this global platform to showcase the value of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to more young people. “It is an exciting and beneficial career pathway that would develop local and global economies.”

She is especially committed to gender equality. As the only woman participant in Mobile Robotics at WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition in Bordeaux, she aims to “make a significant impact within similar skill areas that are male-dominated by bridging the gender gap and encouraging women to pursue careers in these fields.” In her view, “skills have no gender — only passion and ability determine how far you can go.”

Sonya is also a strong advocate for rural development. She chose to leave bustling Kingston and settle in St Elizabeth, which is known as the “breadbasket” of Jamaica. With its fertile soil and ideal climate, the region produces large quantities of root crops, fruits, and sugar cane, while its livestock and rum industries continue to thrive. “In my experience, living in rural areas is a more invigorating and cost-effective option,” she says. However, real challenges remain — limited job opportunities and a lack of remote work options force many young people to move to urban areas.

For Sonya, remote work is “a blessing from the pandemic.” Her company fully supports remote work, allowing her to balance her career ambition and ideal lifestyle. “Before, you could only get a good job if you lived near a city. Remote work gives so much flexibility,” she says. She encourages more companies to embrace flexible work models. “This flexibility is crucial for breaking geographical limits and enabling more talent to access opportunities, especially young people in rural communities.”

Her message to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: a life-changing skills event

Looking ahead to the upcoming global skills event in Shanghai, Sonya is full of anticipation. “Best wishes to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026! May this Competition have a lasting impact on Competitors, visitors and educators alike. It is a turning point that can change lives.” For Sonya, the significance of WorldSkills goes far beyond medals. It is a global platform that celebrates skills excellence, nurtures young talent and drives a shift in how society values skills.

“I am honored to become a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai,” she says. “I am confident that it will be the best Competition in WorldSkills history. I am fully dedicated to my role, providing support and guidance to Competitors, and demonstrating that mastering a skill means gaining the power to change the world.”

From a small Caribbean island to the global stage of WorldSkills Shanghai, from the Mobile Robotics arena to the frontlines of green energy, Sonya Hill is proving through her actions that skills are not only a pathway to a career, but a foundation for building dreams. At a time when the world faces climate challenges and workforce transformation, young people like her are using their skills to create a future that is more inclusive, more sustainable and full of hope.