Automotive painting deal inked at UTech

Chad Bryan, Gleaner Writer

The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), and EdgeChem Jamaica Limited have come together to offer an automotive, marine and decorative finishes programme. The programme was initiated by the board of directors of EdgeChem, a Jamaican company.

FIRST OF ITS KIND

Resulting from the three organsations' combined efforts, there was an addendum to a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday, September 25. The first of its kind in the Caribbean, the programmes are separated into automotive and marine painting, as well as decorative home finishes. The courses will be delivered through the CMI, with a view to certifying competent painters to international standards.

By participating in the programme, individuals will gain knowledge of the automotive and transport vehicle-painting trade. This applies to motor vehicles, marine and watercraft vehicles, aircraft and other specialised industry vehicles, coupled with the product, tools, resources and techniques of the trade.

Completion of the programme will earn participants at the operational level certificates in detailing, vehicle preparation and refurbishing of cars and small trucks. At the mastery level, a training certificate of competence is issued.

The course duration varies depending on the student's skill and prior painting experience. Prior learning and assessment methods last for five days.

CAPTION: Director of academics at the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) Ibrahim
Ajagunna (left), Minister of State in the Ministry of Science,
Technology, Energy and Mining Julian Robinson (second left), president
of the University of Technology (UTech) Professor Errol Morrison (second
right), and chairman of Edgechem Jamaica Limited, William McLeod, sign
the addendum of a memorandum of understanding on September 25, 2012,
that was drafted on September 24, 2001, to offer an automotive, marine
and decorative home finishes programme between UTech and the CMI. -
Photo by Chad Bryan