Kelson Smith Returns To Train BELCO Apprentices
BELCO highlighted Bermudian Kelson Smith, Associate Professor – Industrial Electrical/Electronic Technology at Dalton State College, who returned home to teach BELCO apprentices at the Bermuda College.
A spokesperson said, “BELCO sought the services of Mr. Smith to lecture and teach BELCO apprentices over a 10-week period on a range of subjects such as electrical theory.
“The four-year Apprenticeship Programme offers the opportunity to train in a structured way towards a successful and rewarding career. The programme blends technical training and academic study with work-based learning to kick-start careers in Bermuda’s evolving energy industry with apprentices earning as they learn.
“Throughout their training, apprentices within the Bulk Generation [BG] and the Transmission, Distribution & Retail [TD&R] divisions will receive theory and practical experience. The TD&R apprentices will be educated in the trade disciplines of Electrical Fitter, Jointer, or Line Worker while the apprentices within BG will be educated in a multi-skilled pathway of Electrical & Mechanical maintenance core skills.”
BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “I would like to thank Mr. Smith for returning to Bermuda and providing excellent training for our apprentices and other BELCO staff. Let me also applaud the Bermuda College and their efforts to re-invigorate their programming with a call to industry to provide training for Bermudian students.
“It has been a valuable experience for our apprentices to use Bermuda College’s facilities to advance our training and development goals and assist in furthering our vision for our energy future. We hope to further collaborate with Bermuda College where there is alignment in programming or other opportunities.”
Mr. Smith said: “Having spent most of my professional life here, I thank BELCO for affording me the opportunity to further contribute to the technological advancement of Bermuda. It was also pleasant to spend a little time at Bermuda College where I served for some fifteen years. Additionally, I enjoyed having an extended period to visit with family and friends and to appreciate the beauty of the island.
“My late brother began at BELCO as an apprentice and went on to make a long and fruitful contribution as an engineer with the company. It is good that the company is offering similar opportunities today.”
A spokesperson added, “Mr. Smith’s contribution continues BELCO’s long-standing commitment to developing local talent through apprenticeship training. BELCO’s Apprenticeship Programme has evolved over the last 30 years and many of the Company’s skilled workforce are past apprentices that graduated from the programme and are now employed full-time at the Company.
“Prior to his current role at Dalton State College, Mr. Smith was Associate Dean at Bermuda College for 15 years. He also served as a Training Supervisor at Bermuda Telephone Company Ltd. and as an Assistant Engineer at Cable & Wireless Bermuda. Mr. Smith holds a Master of Science [M.S.] – Applied Engineering – Electrical from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Science [M.Sc.] – Engineering Technology – Electrical from Southern Polytechnic State University.
“For more information about the Apprenticeship Programme, visit www.belco.bm.”
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