More engineers to be trained to deal with hybrid, electric vehicles

The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and United Commercial Autoworks Ltd (UCAL) are collaborating to improve training for the next generation of automotive engineers, particularly those who will be responsible for repairing and maintaining the island’s growing fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles.

During Tuesday’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise a strategic training partnership between the two entities, SJPI Principal Ian Drakes said the campus’ Automotive Engineering Programme has received a high level of interest from students, with over 100 to 200 applicants annually. He said the renewed partnership with UCAL has, therefore, come at the right time.

He said: “Every year the interest has risen greatly. You may not be aware, but even Formula 1 causes our young people to be enthused to want to be part of [the programme]. Therefore, that is another aspect that we have to also look at. The sporting multibillion-dollar industry also lends impetus to persons wanting to highly achieve in this area as well.”

According to Drakes, the new partnership would provide full scholarships and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to qualifying students, with 16 students eligible in the first year and the number increasing thereafter.

“Initially, we are looking at 16 students per semester within a given school year; however, we have seen the demand as UCAL has stated, and we are looking within the second year to look at approximately 32 students, bringing in at least two cohorts per school year,” he said. “[We are] going to bring in two full-time groups – one from 9 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., and then from 4:50 p.m. to about 9 p.m.,” he explained.

The SJPI principal added: “[We want] to make sure we can deal with the requisite demand, and you know there has been an explosion of hybrid and electric vehicles, and so we have to meet that demand along with our old fossil fuel [vehicles]. Therefore, that is our rollout plan, and that’s where UCAL will fit in as well nicely in terms of attachment for students as they pursue these programmes.”

At the end of the Automotive Engineering Programme, Drakes said, students will have Advanced Diploma certification which is similar to an associate degree. 

Managing Director of United Commercial Autoworks Limited Pedro Stanford said the MOU is important for the company, given the increasing number of retirees in the sector.

“The changeover to electric vehicles requires a lot of training. At UCAL, we are in a unique position where we find ourselves after 26 years of existence, [having] about 10 or so people that are going to retire shortly. That is why it’s so important that the cycle of training and education that goes on here at SJPI needs to continue. So there is a demand [for] the whole gamut of the automotive industry,” Stanford said. (SB)