New Simulation Lab Opens at Public Works Department

A new simulation laboratory was officially opened at the Public Works Department (PWD) recently to support students in the Apprenticeship Training Programme develop hands on skills in their areas of training.

Trainees enrolled in the construction trades programme designed and renovated the building that houses the simulation lab.

Minister of Planning, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Hon. Jay Ebanks, who attended the joint laboratory opening and orientation session for new trainees enrolled in Apprenticeship Training Programme, stated that the Government will continue to invest in technical vocational educational and training so that young Caymanians will have as many opportunities as possible to succeed.

“The PWD’s Construction Trades Training Centre continues to be on the cutting edge of technology and this lab will provide the apprentices with the relevant training to impact the workforce in a positive way. I am very impressed by the fact that the building that contain the simulation lab was renovated by the students themselves. That shows what they are capable of doing and contribution they will make to the development of our Islands.  I just want to congratulate them and their instructors for their hard work and encourage them to strive for excellence,” Minister Ebanks stated.

Some of the workshop simulators that are in the lab include an electrical fabrication learning system, alternate energy learning system, industrial fluid piping system and air conditioning and heat pump troubleshooting system. Trainees will gain key skills such as basic electrical wiring, handling non-metallic cable connecting electrical services and basic electrical components through interaction with the electrical fabrication learning system. In addition, they will learn about photovoltaic module operation, solar and wind turbine batteries, small wind turbines through the alternative energy learn system simulator.

Acting Director at PWD Troy Whorms said the simulation workshop will provide an optimum way for the trainees to access how well they are putting their skills into practice. “Learning in a safe and managed environment will give both the apprentices as well as PWD employees, who want to upskill, hands-on experience that integrates key theoretical concepts with interactive computer simulated situations”, he further emphasised.

Noting that such a lab is long overdue, Training and Development Manager, Dr. Ande Francis highlighted that the simulation training will immerse the learners in real world scenarios in which there are assessed and content customised to keep them challenged. He noted, “the lab will allow for a highly effective way of transferring key skills to trainees in a cost-effective manner”.

Approximately twenty-two new trainees participated in the orientation exercise for the Apprenticeship Training Programme. 

In addition to Ministry and PWD representatives, other attendees at the event included industry stakeholders as well as family members of the apprentices.