Several trainees enrolled in the Apprenticeship Programme at the Public Works Department (PWD) were presented with certificates and special awards for excellence during the recent opening of the Department’s Construction Trades Training Centre.

Erwin Swaby, Rory Forbes and Angel Powery, trainees in the construction training programme was recognised as Apprentices of the Year, 2019 to 2020. Mr. Swaby stated that he was grateful to the trainers who gave him the opportunity to learn and work at PWD. “It was a pleasure being mentored by the staff at the Department. I am confident that one day I will use the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to the development of the Cayman Islands,” he said.

Mr. Forbes and Mr. Powery both highlighted that through the apprenticeship programme, they have been able to increase competencies in many areas.” During our training, not only did we gain knowledge in construction, but we improved in the areas of maths and our social skills as well”.

Three female apprentices in the same programme, Azaria Jackson, Remi Bush-Jackson and Kimayea De Souza were recognised for excellence during the 2018 to school 2019 academic year. Miss De Souza noted she has been given all the tools needed to succeed in an industry that is male dominated. She added, “PWD went above and beyond to pave the way for everyone. There were times I felt like giving up but I kept on going. I am inspired by Emily Douglas who once said that if women understood and exercised their power, they could remake the world, and that is what I am going to do”.

Other apprentices who were given special awards were Kyle Smith, Antwone Folkes and Dwayne Bryan.

Programme instructors Eric Green, Stanford Tehran and Racquel James-Weise and Pedro Williams were also recognised at the event.

The Public Works Department currently offers full time and part-time apprenticeship programmes. The part-time apprenticeship programme includes the construction trades training programme and an on the job training programme offered in partnership with the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre.

The construction trades training programme is certified by UK-based City and Guilds.

The recently opened Construction Trades Training Centre comprises of classrooms and an area for practical training for apprentices in the construction programme. Plans are underway to upgrade existing workshops to accommodate the delivery of other programmes in plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and carpentry. These workshops will be equipped with furniture, fittings and equipment that meets the City and Guilds international standards.