MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN SJPI AND UCAL

Efforts are on the way to significantly expanding the training for upcoming automotive engineers, who will play a key part in the maintaining the increase number of hybrid and electric vehicles.

This move comes from the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) and United Commercial Autoworks Ltd (UCAL), which aims to support interest in the growing sector which will be tasked with servicing greener energy vehicles.

Picture are SJPI Principal Ian Drakes (second left) and Managing Director of UCAL Pedro Stanford,( second right)

SJPI Principal Ian Drakes said the MOU has come at the right time, given the increase interest in the campus’ Automotive Engineering Programme.
“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]…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.

“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. He added. “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.”