Forty-four students graduated from the Jamaica Defence Force Technical Training Institute (JDF TTI) after completing ten months of level two artisan training on 21 August 09.  The cohort consisted of twenty-five students in General Construction, ten in Electrical Installation and nine in Welding and Fabrication.

Resplendent in their dress and expressions of pride on their faces, the graduating class slow marched to their seats to the tune “Scipio” played by the Jamaica Military Band led by Bandmaster Warrant Officer Class One Albert Hird. The timed movements of the students as they sat alternately in their seats from left to right, demonstrated coordination and precision which drew applause from the audience.

Major Dameon Creary, Director JDF TTI, in his message, outlined that the Institute is committed to producing internationally certified artisans. He charged the graduating class that they should always perform their duties with a sense of pride. “You are now equipped to position yourselves as the best in your fields. Never compromise the quality of your work and success will be your reward.”

Captain (N) George Reynolds, Colonel Adjutant Quartermaster, deputizing for the Chief of Defence Staff, in his remarks congratulated the graduates and told them that he expected that their input will play a significant role in the development of Jamaica.

Acting Executive Director, HEART Trust NTA, Ms Clover Barnett, in her address expressed that the graduation was a most important occasion for her and that she was pleased to be associated with the JDF Technical Training Institute. She also gave the HEART Trust’s commitment to a continued partnership with the JDF TTI.

The Guest Speaker, Mrs Audrey Sewell, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education urged the graduates to pursue life-long learning and skills-training.  She continued to say that “the efficiency and standard of work will create a demand for these skills in our communities and the wider Caribbean”. She implored the JDF to extend the training to the Caribbean region that has always looked to Jamaica for leadership. This resonates with the aspirations of Major Dameon Creary, when he commented, in an interview, that the long term goal of the institution is to offer degree programmes and extend training to our Caribbean neighbours.

The lone female in the course, Sapper Simone Francis-Reid, an Electrical Installation technician, said that she is happy to be among the participants. When asked how she felt to be the only female she said, ‘it’s great to be the rose among the thorns; I bloomed well because I was not treated as a female but as a member of the group”.  She intends to go higher in the field and said she would encourage other females to do vocational training as it helps to build self esteem.
 

This marks the training of the second batch of students and the first time students are graduating in the Electrical Installation and Welding and Fabrication disciplines since JDF TTI opened its doors in January 2008. 

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