Over 300 civil servants based in Portland, who successfully completed training in a cross-section of areas under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) training programme, graduated on Thursday, September 28.

The ceremony was held at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), in the parish.

Speaking with JIS News, Leonie Harris, principal director, corporate management and development (CMD) in the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), said: "The MoU training programme began in July 2004 with 18 training institutions partnering with the Cabinet Office in delivering 54 courses to 1,100 employees." The courses include basic computer, computer graphics, meeting and conference planning, etiquette and social graces, Spanish, entrepreneurship, drapery making and floral arrangement.

Programme expanded

In June 2005, the programme was expanded to five other parishes and to other categories of workers and public sector organisations.

According to Mrs. Harris, 1,600 employees completed 118 courses offered by 42 training institutions, which included high schools, community colleges, teachers' colleges, the HEART Trust/NTA and community-based training institutions. Courses included bridal consultancy, child care, landscaping, housekeeping, motor vehicle repairs, electrical installation, tiling, first aid and webpage design.