More than 100 students who were part of an accelerated vocational program received certificates in a Thursday evening ceremony at the University College of the Cayman Islands.

The compressed six-week courses were designed to help train Caymanian workers in job areas that have been identified as critical as the local economy recovers from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Technical and Vocational Education and Training classes that were offered included plumbing, electrical work, air conditioning, QuickBooks, customer service, food preparation and computer technology. A total of 108 students were honoured on Thursday September 10.

Financing for these courses, which began in mid-July, was aided by a grant from the R3 Cayman Fondation, the nonprofit coalition formed in recent months to address the economic recovery.

Joannah Bodden Small, Chair R3 recovery committee, spoke to the students. President and CEO Stacy McAfee, Vice President and Provost J.D. Mosley-Matchett, UCCI Board of Governors member Steve Bramwell and TVET interim director Fenslie Smith also addressed the gathering, which included Dave Johnson, president of the Cayman Contractors Association.

TVET courses range from seven weeks to three semesters. Individuals who are interested in UCCI’s Fall 2020 TVET courses can check out the schedule by visiting www.ucci.edu.ky. Individuals can sign up directly on https://connect.ucci.edu.ky/register/sponsoredshortcourses or visit us at the UCCI campus, please bring ID and health insurance card. The registratoin deadline has been extended to Sept. 28. Classes start on Sept. 21. UCCI’s admissions team can be contacted at [email protected] or call +1 (345) 623 8224.