Dennis Williams - Elgin Taylor photo

The Heart Trust/NTA has, over decades, been integrally involved in the training of hundreds of persons for the Jamaican workforce. The credit for much of this success must go to the hardworking instructors whose job it is to get trainees to the point where they can be certified by the National Council on Technical, and Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET).

Dennis Williams, a plumbing instructor employed to the HEART/NTA Vocational Training Centre in Old Harbour, St Catherine, is one such individual who has been involved in the training of young people. In a recent interview with The Star, he had this to say about what motivates him: "To be truthful, there is the money but what really drives me is to see that you are able to make a difference in someone's life, to bring them to the point where they can take their rightful place in society."

Williams, who has given all of 15 years of his working life to the Old Harbour institution and community, said contrary to the belief of many persons, plumbing is not simply a practical skill. He said that on average a level one (plumbing) course lasts for 15 months and involves both theory and practical work.

connection

"Both the theory and practical go hand in hand and the trainees have to understand this connection. For instance, from the theory trainees learn the types of fittings which are suitable for a particular job, and even the climate have to be taken into account," he stated.

Trained at the Portmore Heart Academy and the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI) located in Papine in St Andrew, he is the holder of a certificate and a diploma in building construction. He is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in construction technology and building at the University of Technology (UTECH) in Papine.

He noted that in all professions and vocations there are challenges but he feels equal to the task. He listed among these the planning of programmes and the carrying out of assessment exercises.