A pair of trainee mechanics have earned Ford Motor Company certificates through a partnership between the government and Bermuda Motors.

Dornielle Farrell and Sergio Richardson, employees of the Ministry of Public Works at the Quarry motor pool, were seconded at Bermuda Motors for three months, receiving on the job training and online training via Ford Motor Company.

The certificates recognise the men’s proficiency in brake service procedures, advanced brake systems theory and operation and advanced brake systems diagnosis.

Larry Sticca, ministry training coordinator, said: “The Ministry of Public Works foresaw a need to obtain qualified young Bermudians to fill posts that were being vacated by an ageing workforce.

“Therefore the Ministry, together with the Bermuda National Training Board, agreed to co-sponsor four apprentices to attend the New England Institute of Technology for 18 months so that they could become fully qualified. Three of these men attained Associates Degrees — two in auto mechanics, one in auto body and collision repair and a further apprentice went on to achieve a Bachelor of Science in service management. Three of these men are still with the Ministry.

While the trainees returned to the island fully qualified, they must still pass their ASE exams as per their contract with the Bermuda National Training Board to become certified.

Craig Cannonier, the Minister of Public Works, added: “I would like to commend these two young men on their achievements and offer my sincere thanks to their ministry supervisors as well as our private industry partners.”