New programmes at JAGAS - Logistics hub jobs targeted for graduates

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Acting manager of the Jamaican-German Automotive School (JAGAS), Kevin Baxter, says this year the institution will be introducing new courses as it continues to equip students with the skill sets necessary to remain competitive.

"These programmes will be aimed at satisfying the needs of those jobs that will be emerging out of the formation of the logistics hub. One of the key programmes that we will be rolling out is in heavy-duty training. Also, we will be forging key partnerships with other players in the industry to look at forklift operating and heavy-duty driving and that sort of a thing," he said.

"So a number of our programmes this year will be aimed at meeting those initiatives. Our programmes will be much more flexible in anticipation of this new development," Baxter added.

He admitted that a number of students did not complete their programmes last year because they were lured away by jobs. However, he anticipates that some will return to the classroom in 2014. Still, he is proud that "in reflecting on the past year, we would have impacted on a number of industries with our graduates ...".

Penetrate industries

Baxter also said a number of industries that JAGAS failed to penetrate in 2013 will be targeted this year. Among them is "... the auto body industry. We will be looking to certify auto body practitioners. There is going to be a great initiative and intervention to get those persons certified, and also those persons working in the heavy-duty repairs industry. We are going to be targeting them as well, to get them certified".

He emphasised that "There will be higher level programmes in auto body. That will be in automotive service centre management and is National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica level four," he said.

In addition, greater attention will be paid to training in diagnostics. "We will be investing some up-to-date and modern, cutting-edge technology, so that our trainees can benefit. Therefore, when they go out in the industry the learning curve will be much shorter and it will be easier for them to pick up jobs," Baxter told Automotives.

The programmes are ready, so interested persons are being urged to make contact with JAGAS to enrol.