SIT and PUC launch new course |25 May 2017

The launch ceremony

The Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) and the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) have launched a certificate course in electrical installation works.

Present at the launch of the training programme on Tuesday were PUC chief executive (CEO) Philip Morin, PUC board chairman Eddy Belle, SIT principal Hubert Barbé and chair of the committee for certification of wiremen and contractors Jean Rassool.

This course follows an agreement signed between SIT and PUC late last year where they committed to assisting each other in terms of training and resources.

Forty-six students will be taking part in this training of whom 17 are PUC staff and others are those who work in the industry and related services.

The students will be divided in two groups where they will take two-hour classes from 3.30pm to 5pm at the SIT premises at Providence two times a week.

Mr Morin said over 100 applications were received for this course which is being funded by PUC at an estimated amount of R750,000 to R800,000.

“This course in one which is very interesting and ideal for the youth and it gives me great satisfaction to see the large interest in the electrical sector among the youth seeking further development,” he said.

He said SIT will be delivering the training over a period of one and a half to two years depending on how fast or slow the students progress.

“We took into account that many youth working with PUC have never gone through such structured formation and that many youth who are working alongside contractors have not done the theory, they know only practical. Therefore this programme will address this issue,” he said. 

His remarks to the students were: “I’m urging you to participate and enjoy the programme and to retain as much knowledge which you can later on use for you to move forward in life and for further training.”

Mr Morin also expressed his gratitude to the PUC board, SIT and the wiremen and contractors certification committee.

Mr Barbé said this is a well calculated initiative as this programme targets the community and is part of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“The programme is set to provide the participants with basic knowledge and skills in electrical installation practices which will allow them to participate and assist in the installation in domestic houses,” he said.

He added that the programme also provides them the opportunity to move forward in the field if they decide to.

He said the committee for certification of wiremen and contractors sets up assessment or examinations for wiremen and contractors before they are issued licences to execute wiring in buildings.

“The fact that we are training those students doesn’t mean that they will be fully qualified or be licensed automatically to wire. We will be preparing them to sit for a final exam issued by the committee and if they pass, then they will qualify to obtain a license to perform in the industry,” he said.

Ryan Lesperance who has completed a global certificate in ITC previously and is now working for Island Services Technical said this course will help him progress in his job, while PUC technician Jean-Paul Vidot said this is a great opportunity  for him to increase his productivity at work and enhance his knowledge.

“Hopefully if they find that my work has more quality I will be promoted and will be able to move forward in my field,” said Mr Vidot.