Falklands : New Training Facility for the Falkland Islands
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 26.05.2010 (Article Archived on 09.06.2010)
Vast resources for training and qualifications are available for the Falkland Islands’ population at the modern new premises of the Falkland Islands Government’s Training Centre.
New Training Facility for the Falkland Islands
By J. Brock (FINN)
Vast resources for training and qualifications are available for the Falkland Islands’ population at the modern new premises of the Falkland Islands Government’s Training Centre. Staff at the Training Centre worked with colleagues in the Public Services Department to transform a former plumbers’ workshop into a brand new training facility for the Falkland Islands.
A large workshop for carpentry, plumbing is at the heart of the new building, electrical and decorating trades, with work bays representing rooms in a house. There is a small commercial kitchen, a test area, classroom facilities and a computer suite plus staff offices. Apprentices in the construction trades can undertake practical training on-site, which is of particular benefit where their employer is unable to provide the opportunity to do work required as part of the NVQ syllabus. Catering candidates will be able to train and learn in the commercial kitchen.
Many and varied NVQs are already available in the Falkland Islands, but the new facility will enable the Training Centre to strengthen links with the Department of Agriculture and related employers and the Centre hopes to offer courses in horticulture and agriculture. New courses in leatherwork and furniture making are also being explored. Other apprenticeships already sponsored by the Falkland Islands Government include mechanics and aircraft maintenance.
Councillor Jan Cheek, who holds the Education Portfolio, said: “We welcome the opening of this new facility which will improve training within the Falklands and develop the expertise of our already skilled workforce.”
The Training Centre is part of the Department of Education. As well as managing the apprenticeship programme, it provides Key Skills Training, the European Computer Driving Licence, Entry 2 Employment for school leavers who are not going straight into employment or further education, courses in book-keeping and supervisory management, and much more besides. Its vision is to enable young and old to obtain the qualifications that will benefit the Falkland Islands’ continuing growth and development.
Source: Office of the Legislative Assembly Gilbert House
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