Hon. Minister Jay Ebanks honors young Caymanians at National Skills Competition Awards

The Hon. Jay Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure honored Caymanian trade apprentices at an awards ceremony for the recent Second Annual National Skills Competition held by the Public Works Department (PWD).

Minister Ebanks congratulated the apprentices and said the competition had been a remarkable display of their individual abilities as well as the strength of the Ministry’s vocational education and training programs.

“Throughout the competition we were able to see the very best of what young Caymanians have to offer our country,” he said. “The wealth of talent on display fills me with confidence that the future of Cayman is very bright.”

Over two days, fifteen apprentices competed in five skill areas at the Public Works Department’s Construction Trades Training Center. Winners included Malik Parchmont for carpentry, Samuel White for AC & Refrigeration, Joshua Bent for electrical, Romeo Thomas for plumbing, and Dalbert Johnson for masonry.

The Award ceremony was open to the public with many industry leaders in attendance.

“The programme offers participants a learning and development pathway, and the opportunity to expand their personal and professional capabilities. Apprentices are supported every step of the way with opportunities to learn and grow,” Hon. Minister Jay Ebanks said. “Our Ministry is working to give young Caymanians access to education and training, to ensure young people from all backgrounds are supported.”

Currently, fifty young Caymanians participate in the Public Works Apprenticeship Programme with most finding work in the construction industry after completing a 2-3 years in the programme.

The PWD Skills Competition was sponsored by Dart, The Phoenix Group, Arch & Godfrey and Kirk Home Centre. All attended the ceremony presenting awards to the winners of each category.

Samuel White, PWD apprentice and winner of AC & Refrigeration category said. “The apprenticeship programme has taught me how to master the basics of my specialty and learn how the equipment works. I’ve used the knowledge that I’ve learned to perform in the working world.”

Competition winners by category:

Carpentry

1st Place- Malik Parchmont (sponsored by Arch & Godfrey)

AC & Refrigeration

1st Place- Samuel White (sponsored by DART)

2nd Place- Jharran Greenidge (sponsored by PWD)

Electrical

1st Place- Joshua Bent (sponsored by PWD)

2nd Place- Caleb Davidson-Ebanks (sponsored by PWD)

Plumbing

1st Place- Romeo Thomas (sponsored by DART)

2nd Place- Timothy Mckenzie (Sponsored by PWD)

Masonry

1st Place- Dalbert Johnson (sponsor Phoenix)

2nd Place- Timothy Mckenzie (sponsor PWD)