Forty-four students graduated from the Jamaica Defence Force Technical Training Institute (JDF TTI) last month after completing 10 months of level two artisan training. The cohort consisted of 25 students in general construction, 10 in electrical installation and nine in welding and fabrication.

This marked training of the second batch of students and the first time students were graduating in the electrical installation and welding and fabrication disciplines since JDF TTI opened its doors in January 2008.

Major Dameon Creary, director of JDF TTI, in his message, said the institute was committed to producing internationally certified artisans. He charged the graduating class that they should always perform their duties with a sense of pride.

"You are now equipped to position yourselves as the best in your fields. Never compromise the quality of your work and success will be your reward," Creary said.

The guest speaker, Audrey Sewell, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, urged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning and skills training.

"The efficiency and standard of work will create a demand for these skills in our communities and the wider Caribbean," she told the graduates.

Long-term goal

Sewell implored the JDF to extend the training to the wider Caribbean, which has always looked to Jamaica for leadership. This echoed sentiments of Creary, who said in an interview that the long-term goal of the institution was to offer degree programmes and extend training to Caribbean neighbours.

The lone female in the course, Sapper Simone Francis-Reid, an electrical installation technician, said she was happy to be among the participants.

"It's great to be the rose among the thorns," Francis-Reid said of her unique status. "I bloomed well because I was not treated as a female but as a member of the group."