(CMR) The University College of the Cayman Islands has announced that it has gained NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) accreditation for its technical and vocational construction programs. These include Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing and Electrical, Construction Technology, Solar Photovoltaic Systems Installer, and Construction Project Management.
This is one of many internationally renowned accreditations awarded to the University College of the Cayman Islands, which continues to elevate its reputation as a world-class educational institution. UCCI now has nine NCCER-certified instructors, who include six certified master trainers and three certified craft instructors, with two more craft instructors in training.
NCCER was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and various association and academic leaders who united to revolutionize training for the construction industry. Sharing the common goal of developing a safe and productive workforce, these companies created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry. This progressive program has evolved into curricula for more than 70 craft and maintenance areas, with over 6,000 institutions holding this accreditation.
“The University’s Professional and Technical Education and Training department is setting a precedent in the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean for quality work-based training that does what it should, that being making students work-ready,” Dr. Robert W. Robertson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the University College of the Cayman Islands commented.
“The aim of any technical training program is to provide the students with the skills they need to join the workforce when they leave us. The NCCER accreditation is a badge of honor that confirms and shows that it is exactly what we are providing right here in the Cayman Islands. Sixty-five students have already completed our NCCER-accredited programs and awaiting confirmation of the NCCER certification in different trade sectors, and we have almost 120 students studying in these areas currently. We are thrilled with this recognition, and a huge congratulations to all faculty and staff involved,” he added.
Paul Puckerin, Dean of Professional and Technical Education and Training at the University College of the Cayman Islands, stated, “We have a strong professional and technical educational offer at UCCI and work with many private sector employers to give the students the skills and training that they need to be competitive, not only in the Cayman Islands but worldwide.”
He continued, “These include Otis Air, Dart, Andro Group, BrittHay, Corporate Electric, Home Gas, CUC, and GreenTech Solar. The NCCER accreditation is one of several badges of recognition that we hold, including City & Guilds for Hospitality and Tourism and General Business and Institute for Motor Industry (IMI) for Automotive Repairs and Maintenance. We look forward to continuing to grow these industry recognized courses in the future.”
Program accreditations are internationally recognized benchmarks awarded to organizations to highlight educational quality and effectiveness. Not only do these assure quality to the public, but they also ease student transfer between institutions by signaling quality and showcasing a graduate's credentials to employers.
Cathy Tyler, Director of Accreditation & Workforce Development at the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), congratulated UCCI on this recent accreditation.
“A huge congratulations to the University College of the Cayman Islands on successfully meeting the standards for accreditation, as outlined in the NCCER Accreditation Guidelines & Program Compliance and verified by a recent audit. The University College of the Cayman Islands participated in a detailed audit of its training program. Based upon the successful completion of this audit, accreditation has been granted by NCCER,” she said
Approximately 118 students are currently enrolled in NCCER-accredited training at the University College of the Cayman Islands in fall 2022 in trade sectors.
UCCI's Professional and Technical Education and Training department's offerings are interdisciplinary and cater to a wide student audience, from school-leavers seeking training for entry-level positions in their chosen field to persons already in employment who are seeking a new career or advancement of their current career. The department covers a wide range of sectors as diverse as auto repair, electrical, hospitality, plumbing, computer technician, project management, and construction.
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