News

Three elite Public Works Department staffers are the first to complete the highest course currently available in the department’s flagship apprenticeship programme.

Caymanians Mr. Daniel Dawkins, Mr. Davanni James and Mr. Adrian Jackson received their diplomas and an accompanying prize from Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure Ministry Deputy Chief Officer and PWD Acting Director, Ms Leyda Nicholson-Makasare at the department’s retreat held at the Family Life Centre on Walkers Road, Thursday, 20 February 2020.

Mr. Dawkins and Mr. James studied Construction and Mr. Adrian Jackson, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. The trio successfully earned their diplomas, having completed the 18-month Level III technical courses offered in Jamaica by Heart Trust NTA’s College of Construction Services.

The three employees are from the department’s first batch of full-time apprentices, which was the start of a programme that evolved into a full-fledge Training Centre operated by the department and has currently 17 trainees across several skill areas up to Level II, City & Guilds Certification.

PWD initially employed the three as apprentices in a three-year programme, where they studied subjects including construction, building maintenance and air conditioning.

During this time, they worked within the Facilities Unit under the supervision of various Field Supervisors. In this unit, they were assigned to at least three subsequent trades where they gained exposure to each trade and developed an appreciation of the required skills during their first year, outlined the Acting Director.

In their second year, they were assigned full time to a particular unit (chosen based on their strength or the prevailing need of the department) under the supervision of a Foreman where they sufficiently honed their skills in the specific discipline(s) to ensure that they met the prescribed standards of the trade.

In their third year, they were sent overseas to complete training not yet available on island. This enabled them to obtain certification in their area of specialization at a suitable level required for the new multi-skilled and modern technician roles they have now been promoted to, having successfully completed their training, the Acting Director said.

Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure, Hon. Joey Hew has congratulated the recipients on their achievement. “These staff members make us proud of what the Public Works Department continues to achieve and they give us hope that the future of our Islands is in the hands of competent and qualified Caymanians,” he said.

Lauding the trio on their accomplishment, Deputy Chief Officer Nicholson-Makasare commented, “PWD will continue to invest in our employees. Training provides an opportunity for them to acquire a wider skill-set. With more skills, they are better equipped to contribute to the Department, and the country as a whole, as well as pass on their knowledge to our new apprentices”.

She also encouraged more staffers to continue their learning and training.

(GIS)