T’Shun Basden Completes HETT Certification
BELCO apprentice mechanic T’Shun Basden has successfully completed an academic 35-week Heavy Truck and Transport [HETT] Certification Programme at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Canada.
A spokesperson said, “T’Shun has been an apprentice mechanic in BELCO’s garage on the transport team since 2020. He was one of eight candidates interviewed for the BELCO apprenticeship programme.
“While his formal training was severely delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions impacting travel for international students, T’Shun commenced his studies in September 2022 and graduated in June of this year. He is the second BELCO employee to achieve a Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician Certification.
“The BELCO apprenticeship is a four-year programme and T’Shun joined with previous experience in the construction industry. He will now be eligible to move to full Auto Technician having achieved his certification. T’Shun will complete his apprenticeship by undertaking an in-house assessment for advancement programme where the candidate is assessed on both theory and practical automotive modules created by Fleet which are then reviewed and signed off by an internal verifier.
“Bermuda accepts recognised qualifications in automotive certifications from the US, UK, and Canada and all qualified technicians can be registered with the Bermuda Government National Training Board.
“The Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician programme at Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives students basic training in two high-demand mechanical trades at once. Heavy duty equipment technicians work on large mobile equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, graders, loaders and earthmovers used in construction, mining, forestry and more.
“Truck and transport mechanics work on trucks, buses and highway transport vehicles for dealers, garages and transportation companies. The Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician programme provides students with the knowledge and skills to service, maintain, diagnose and repair heavy equipment, trucks, buses and transport vehicles.
“Training includes air conditioning and heating systems, brake, steering and suspension systems, electrical and hydraulic systems, engines, fuel systems and power trains equipment operation and maintenance, trade math, blueprint reading, use of shop equipment and tools and welding with 60% Shop Time and 40% Class Time.”
Mr Basden said, “Studying at Saskatchewan Polytechnic went really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the HETT programme. All the instructors were really helpful and very knowledgeable, and I like the fact that they have all been out in the work world and have come back to teach new people the trade. I would like to thank the BELCO team for giving me this opportunity and for everything they have done to support my learning.
“I’m glad to be back at home in sunny Bermuda having gone through a bitterly cold winter and look forward to putting my skills to use.”
BELCO Manager, Logistics, Jason Simons, said, “BELCO is committed to education and training Bermudians for careers at all levels within the Company through scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and ongoing learning opportunities for existing employees. I am pleased T’Shun has successfully graduated from the programme and gained valuable knowledge and experience on maintaining heavy equipment and trucks.
“T’Shun has been a welcomed addition to our team, and we are fortunate to benefit from his technical ability. He also possesses a great level of maturity, work ethic, and strong interpersonal skills. We are looking forward to his continued development and putting his skills to use now that his training is complete. On behalf of our department and the entire team at BELCO, congratulations T’Shun.”
Congratulations Tshun Basden. Your hard work and dedication has paid off . It’s all “up” from here . Continue on your journey , wishing you much success on your journey . I am proud of you ❤️.