Among the 200-plus University College of the Cayman Islands graduates robed in blue gowns and tasselled mortar boards in early July, 42 Public Works Department employees squared their shoulders and held their heads high as they joined the ranks.
For the department, the night marked the completion of a nine-week practical and technical certification programme covering general maintenance, air-conditioning repairs, plumbing, masonry and carpentry.
The programme was jointly offered by the Public Works Department, University College of the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica’s Human Employment and Resource Training National Vocational Training Agency, said a GIS press release.
Brimming with pride, PWD Director Max Jones, who presented the certificates with HEART-NTA Executive Director Donald Foster, remarked, ‘Watching the proud faces of the 42 employees come up to receive their certificates was the high point of the graduation for me.’
PWD Manager of Human Resources Benjamin Waysome added, ‘The culture of an organisation to a great extent is determined not only by its mission statement, vision statement, business plan and budget, but also by how its human capital is developed, and how that human capital defines its contribution or importance to the organisation.’
Rhodian Bodden, one of the graduates, agreed, noting that the programme helped to enhance team spirit amongst the individuals who participated.
‘The training taught us about team work and helped us to bond a lot more…that was definitely one of the greatest things that came out of the course,’ he said.
‘The world does not stand still. We have to keep on improving our skills and abilities to remain competitive. I learnt many new things. If they [PWD] continue this programme, they will get great returns.’
Graduates
Operations and Works Unit
General Maintenance Certification
Wilner Belfond , Jefferson Bodden, Charles Bodden, Marlon Bush, Davelee Cole, Joseph Conolly, Stephen Dasilva, Elvis Dixon, Wilfred Douglas, Jason Ebanks, Asher Hooker, Dennis McDowell, Avel McFarlane, Eldon Nixon, Samuel Pinnock, Colby Powery, William Powery, Gary Tyrell, Astley White
Operations & Work (Mechanical Electrical & Plumbing) Unit
Plumbing Certification
Reidar Hansen, Michael Taylor
Air Conditioning Certification
Leighton Henry, Richard Hinds, Henry Maitland, Ucal Powell, Barton Solomon, Julian Wood, Courtney Thomas, Alcot Gould
Development and Planning Unit
Masonry Certification
Ernest Beadle, Clayburn Ebanks, Fitzroy Powell, Leonard Scott, Roy Harris, Calvin Welcome, Robert Wiggan
Carpentry CertificationJonathon Bodden, Rhodian Bodden, Dermouth Ennis, Roy Harris, Lee Parchment
General Maintenance Certification
Donald Reid
al Powell
Barton Solomon
Julian Wood
Courtney Thomas
Alcot Gould
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