FOURTEEN TRAINEES from the first batch of the Alpart/ HEART Trust/NTA Industrial Apprenticeship Programme have successfully completed their four-year electrical industrial maintenance course at the alumina plant.
Recently, the trainees who have attained internationally recognised certification from the National Council on Technical, Educational and Vocational Training (NCTVET) were hosted at a reception at the Junction Great House, St. Elizabeth.
The apprenticeship programme was established in 1999 as a skills training opportunity for young Jamaicans selected through the HEART Trust/ NTA qualification process. It covers practical and theoretical training in electrical and mechanical techniques which are applicable to the alumina and other industries.
Since its establishment, 25 new trainees are recruited each year for either the four-year electrical course, or the five-year mechanical programme.
Speaking at the reception, Resident Magistrate for St. Elizabeth Miss Llyle Armstrong said the programme was producing a core of highly-skilled Jamaican tradesmen who would be able to operate at world class standards.
Twelve of the 14 graduates have already been employed by Alpart while another 92 apprentices are currently enrolled in the mechanical and electrical instrumentation courses being conducted at the alumina plant.
Robert Gregory, Executive Director of the HEART Trust/ NTA, said it was significant that HEART had chosen to reinvest a portion of Alpart's HEART remittances into the programme as the agency regarded it as one of the most valuable and far-reaching apprenticeship programmes in Jamaica.
Gene Miller, Alpart's General Manager, said he was satisfied with the progress being made by the apprentices. He noted the company's appreciation for the support and guidance offered by HEART Trust/ NTA.
