Horace Clarke revving up for the future

Member of Parliament for St Mary Central Omar Newell is calling on corporate Jamaica to help transform the automotive programme at Horace Clarke High School into a centre of excellence for technical and vocational education.

Newell made the appeal Tuesday during the handover of a 2011 Mazda Familia to the school, the second vehicle he has donated to its automotive department.

The vehicle will give students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience as they prepare for external examinations and could also support the development of a driver-education programme.

“Students need the opportunity to work on an actual vehicle and apply what they are learning in the classroom. Every part of this car can become a lesson, including the faults that they will have to diagnose and repair,” Newell said.

He said, however, that the automotive laboratory still needs modern tools, diagnostic equipment and improved workstations if the programme is to reach its full potential.

Newell is, therefore, appealing to companies involved in vehicle sales and repairs, as well as businesses supplying parts, tyres and lubricants and those in the insurance and transportation sectors, to invest in the programme.

“Companies regularly speak about the difficulty of finding properly trained workers. Horace Clarke High can help prepare those workers, but the school needs the right equipment. I am asking the private sector to work with us and invest in these students,” he said.

The push comes as automotive technology continues to evolve, creating a need for technicians who can work with both traditional mechanical systems and increasingly sophisticated electrical and computerised vehicle systems.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics will grow by five per cent between 2025 and 2035, with about 66,200 openings expected annually over the period, including positions created by workers leaving the occupation.

At the same time, the global vehicle industry is moving increasingly towards electric mobility. The International Energy Agency reported that electric-car sales exceeded 20 million worldwide in 2025, representing one-quarter of all new cars sold.

For technical and vocational programmes, that shift means training can extend beyond conventional engine repair to areas such as computer diagnostics, automotive electronics, hybrid technology, electric vehicles and battery systems.

Newell said his ambition is for Horace Clarke High to develop a reputation that extends beyond traditional academic achievement.

“My vision is for Horace Clarke High to become known for technical competence and cultural excellence. I want students to leave here with practical skills, confidence and a genuine path towards employment or further education,” he said.