MBW Engineering R&D - My Brother's Workshop

Engineering R&D

About the Program

Within our workshop facility, our engineering program that works on research and development teaches our students programming, manufacturing, product packaging, inventory, and graphic design skills.

With state of the art CNC laser machines and routers and metal machines, our engineering department can custom make products for customers while teaching our youth the process. Students are involved in every step from design and concept to operating the machines and finally to packaging the items.

Like other programs, MBW Engineering has a social enterprises aspect to help maintain the program and enroll as many students as we can each year. Please take a look at our products to see how we can help you!

Interested in this program? Contact Us

Design, creativity, and problem solving made practical.

What Our Students Say About MBW Engineering

"I find working in the R&D department awesome! It's fun working on the machines with different projects. I get to learn something new everyday. My favorite is working on the mill. Pulling all the levers and turning all the cranks is satisfying."

Mentors & Staff

Deandra Wheatley

Junior Trainer

Deandra, born in Tortola BVI and raised in St. Thomas, has always been driven by a passion for hands-on work. At Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS), she was the only female in her plumbing class, defying her teacher's doubts to become the first woman at CAHS to complete courses in plumbing, electrical, drafting, and woodworking. After graduating in 2013, she gained practical experience in carpentry through working at the Housing Authority. Her journey took a pivotal turn during her time at Raphael O. Wheatley Skill Center (2017-2018), where a field trip to My Brother’s Workshop (MBW) inspired her to join their disaster response team following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Starting as a trainee at MBW, Deandra quickly expanded her skills, mastering various tools and machinery including Laser Engravers and CNC Routers. In 2022, she advanced to the title of Junior Trainer which is a role that has her running the MBW Machine Shop and mentoring trainees while continuously enhancing her own expertise.