(CMR) Thirty-three young Caymanians recently enrolled as Level I trainees in the Apprenticeship Training Programme offered by the Public Works Department (PWD). This is in addition to ten Level II and six Level III learners.
The apprentices who completed orientation and started their programs earlier this month will be undertaking training in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical installation, air condition and refrigeration, welding, as well as building and construction management.
Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure Hon. Jay Ebanks stated that investing in young Caymanians through the delivery of training and development programs is a key priority of the Government. Minister Ebanks said:
“With the scarcity of locally qualified job applicants to perform some specialized roles within government and the private sector, it is important that we develop our Caymanian workforce. This Government is working to give Caymanians as many opportunities to succeed, as possible. I want to encourage all apprentices enrolled in the programs at PWD to stay the course and continue to develop their skills and expertise”.
He said he was also pleased that Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education Katherine Ebanks-Wilks would be working closely with the Public Works Department in support of the training program.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Planning, Isaac Rankine, who attended the orientation session for the new batch of trainees, emphasized that the training programs are effective pathways for young Caymanians to gainful employment. He noted that Government was doing everything possible “to ensure that we promote sustainable and responsible development for the future.”
He added, “I am confident the apprentices will take their rightful place in the future of these Islands.”
Ebanks-Wilks, who was at the orientation session, congratulated the Public Works Department for all their work through the apprenticeship program.
She stated, “I am happy to see this training being offered to Caymanians, which will no doubt increase employment opportunities and enable career advancement.”
Acting Director at the Public Works Department Troy Whorms commended the PWD team for “stepping up to the plate by providing a medium through which Caymanians can develop skills in a variety of technical and vocational areas important to the Islands, and also for offering themselves to be mentors to the trainees.”
He also highlighted that while the Department increased its space capacity with the opening of the Construction Trades Training Centre, there are plans to upgrade existing workshops to accommodate the delivery of other certification programs.
The Public Works Department currently offers a full-time apprenticeship program that focuses on construction trades training and a partnership training arrangement with the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre. The Department also offers a full-time internship program.
Persons interested in the programs can contact the Public Works Department at 345-949-2547 or email [email protected].
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