Pursuing internationally recognised qualifications will give young people the edge they need when entering today’s job market.

This was the message from the Minister of Youth the Hon. Mark Scotland as he recently paid a courtesy call to Superior Auto’s Training Centre. Addressing a group of trainees, the minister emphasized personal responsibility as a pre-requisite to a successful career.

“I am glad that you are taking advantage of this opportunity to become qualified. However, it is important that you know that the attitude you bring to the workplace is just as important. And that is solely up to you.”

The technician’s course, an intensive 18-month programme, was started by Superior Auto’s Mark and Denise DeMercado to give local students the chance to earn a qualification without having to travel off island.

Even though the course is offered free of charge, students walk away with an acknowledged qualification as their training is accredited by the Jamaican German Automotive School (JAGAS). This level of instruction has already seen three graduates being placed by local firms.

“We focus on knowledge, skills and attitude. It is a great all-round course and while we train our students to become competent technicians, we hope to see them continue their studies to become managers or even business owners themselves,” said volunteer coordinator and the programme’s quality assurance staffer Levi Allen.