Professional & Vocational Training

Changes are underway in the technical and vocational training fields in Cayman. Gone are the days when the only route to success was an academic one; now there are over 10,000 work permits in very well paid technical jobs which could easily be filled by Caymanians.

Companies like Inspire Cayman Training are stepping into the market and making sure that Caymanians get the proper technical training plus have on-the-job training from companies that are partnering with them. Students are also taught how the progression through lower entry jobs will eventually get them to the position they aspire to as long as they are willing to work hard, learn and be reliable.

For a complete list of the trade and vocational options available in the Cayman Islands please read on. If we have missed anything please feel free to send us an email and we can add it to our list.

Auto Repair & Maintenance

UCCI also offers a one year programme that takes you to Level II. This course is for individuals who have minimal knowledge of motor vehicle repairs and are keen on learning how to service and repair vehicles in the hopes of becoming a Certified Mechanic.

The Superior Auto Training Program (SATP) is a not-for-profit programme that teaches Caymanian students the fundamentals of auto repair. Tel: (345) 949 9570 or email sa@candw.ky for more information.

Beauty Technician Courses

Cayman Career Academy (CCA) is the first locally CIDESCO-accredited, and more recently EduQual-accredited, beauty school in the Caribbean to offer world-renowned CIDESCO diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Beauty and Spa Management and certificate courses in Aesthetics, Body Therapy and Manual Facial. Through EduQual they offer diplomas in Massage Therapy, as well as shorter award courses in waxing, manicures and pedicures.

CCA is open to anyone 16 and over. Through CIDESCO qualifications, students receive theoretical and practical training (blending learning) and obtain professional expertise, which will ensure they stand out to employers, not only locally but internationally. Schoarships are now available through the Ministry of Education for Caymanians, and payment plans are also available.

For more information see www.caymancareeracademy.ky or call (345) 936 2228.

Boat Training

Aside from helping beginners learn the ropes, boat training can help boost employability, give companies formal safety qualifications and even lower boat insurance. For private/non-commercial boat owners, training courses can often significantly lower your insurance costs – make sure to ask your insurer about discounted rates.

Mark Tarsh/Spindrift Charters offers the IYT Small Power Boar Rib Master Course over two days after the e-learning has been completed. He also offers the IYT VHF Radio Couse and the MCA ICC 10m Power & PWC Coastal course. For anyone who wants to do the International Bareboat Skipper Sail or the MCA International Certificate of Competence 24m Sail/10m power courses then he will put you on a waiting list and do it when he has enough students who want to do it. For more information, contact Mark Tarsh on (345) 328 0432, email: info@spindriftcharters.com or visit www.spindriftcharters.com/iytboatingcourses.

Go Pro Diving offers two boat training certifications that are administered by an agency called MTCI (Maritime Training & Certification International). This agency is recognised by Malta and is compliant with the Caribbean Small Commercial Vessel Code. They offer the Level I Small Power Boat Operations course which is intended for new and seasoned recreational boaters wanting a licence. They also offer the Level II commercial boating licence which trains and certifies people for carrying passengers, taking night passages, and travelling a further distance off shore. For more information, call Ash McKnight on (345) 925 9092.

Pro Yacht is an International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT) authorised training and instructor school offering certified courses for all levels of boaters ranging from Personal Watercraft and VHF Communications to the most popular course, Small Powerboat and RIB Master. The Small Powerboat and RIB Master is a two day certified course covering the basics of boat handling, operations and safety perfect for families and children 16 and older. Classes are limited to 3 students for more personal instruction. Call Tristan Skinner on (345) 945 4676 or email: tskinner@proyacht.ky to book a course.

Building & Construction

The Public Works Department Construction Trades Training Centre (CTTC) located on North Sound Road in the Industrial Park, run a very popular construction trades training programme that includes an apprenticeship with industry partners. Courses run for 52 weeks and are full-time. You must be Caymanian, between the age of 16-29 and you must have finished high school. Courses include plumhttps://content.acorn.ky/acorn...bing, masonry, A/C refrigeration, electrical installation, welding, carpentry and Advanced Construction Management and lead to a City and Guild certification which is internationally recognised. The application process is only open for a month, once a year, between May 15th and June 15th and you must be able to show proof of your Caymanian citizenship, have a clean police record and clean drug test, and show copies of any qualifications you have to date. Industry partners include: DART, AndroGroup, Arch & Godfrey, MAC Plumbing and Phoenix Construction. For more information email: pwd.apprentice@gov.ky or call (345) 949 2547.

UCCI offers evening courses in Construction Technology, which will help those get a job in the construction industry. This curriculum will ground the trainee in the basic knowledge and principles of carpentry, masonry, concrete finishing, electrical work, HVAC and plumbing. He or she will become skilled in different phases of a project from start to finish. Upon completion of this course, the trainee will be able to interpret construction drawings, perform quality concrete and brickwork, frame walls, ceilings and floors of a structure, and demonstrate a basic understanding of wiring and piping for electrical and plumbing systems.

Coding & Computer Technicians

Cayman Enterprise in conjunction with Cayman Enterprise City places an emphasis on fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering participants not only with technical skills but also with the entrepreneurial mindset and networks needed to excel in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape. Their programmes feature a unique mentorship component, providing learners with invaluable guidance from industry experts. They offer training at the beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels and provide a mix of live-online, self-paced, and in-person courses in code, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, we3 and more. Enterprise Cayman has partnered with Cisco Networking Academy, Oracle Academy, and Code Fellows to provide reputable curriculum and recognisable certifications. For more information, visit their website: www.enterprisecayman.ky/tech-training or email: innovate@enterprisecayman.ky.

UCCI offers a one-year full time Computer Technician Certificate that introduces students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, mobile devices, security and networking concepts, and the responsibility of an IT professional. The latest curriculum includes mobile devices, Linux, as well as expanded information about Microsoft Windows operating systems, security, networking and troubleshooting.

Craft Skills

The NCCER Core Curriculum Introductory to Craft Skills encompasses 160 hours of employability skills, material handling, rigging, power tools, hand tools, construction maths and construction site safety. The course costs CI$3,500 and can be done through Inspire Cayman Training. See www.inspirecaymantraining.com for more information.

Dive Instructor Training

If you are looking to make scuba diving your career, then you will have to become a PADI Dive Master before you can take the PADI Dive Instructor training course. Go Pro Diving offers all levels of dive training up to Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) and they regularly work with the Fire Department, UCCI and CIFEC. For more information call Ash on (345) 925 9092 or see their website www.goprocayman.com.

Red Sail Sports offers many PADI dive certification courses from the Open Water upwards and a DOE Lion Fish Culling speciality.

Domestic Help

The Minerva Academy is a registered training school for your private staff in Cayman. Their courses are designed to give or refresh skills for domestic staff who look after high-standard households and families of high-performing busy individuals. Courses are offered à-la-carte in a group classroom format or in a one-to-one setting tailored to your needs, and they are taught by experienced professionals certified by international butler institutions.

Professional Training - Financial Services

There are numerous training centres on Island, much of which specifically cater to the financial services industry. Colleges and other tertiary educational centres in Cayman also offer short certification courses. For Training Centres that can help get you or your staff on track see the list below.

The Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association (CIMPA) runs professional development courses on a variety of topics including public speaking, SEO optimisation, event planning, budget management, and analytics. They also offer a university scholarship. Members and non-members are welcome. Email: training@cimpa.ky.

Every year the Cayman Islands Society of Human Resources Professionals (CISHRP) offers a certificate in HR Management course which includes modules on Cayman's immigration, pension and labour laws, health insurance rules and the Essentials of HR Management. Exams are scheduled twice a year. See www.cishrp.ky or email: info@cishrp.ky for more information.

All regular members of the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA) training committee develops a calendar of training to meet the diverse needs of their membership and to support their professional development. As a full member of IFAC, CIIPA is committed to ensuring their members are able to meet the International Education Standards which are set by the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB). Visit www.ciipa.ky/Live-Training for details or email: admin@ciipa.ky for specific requests.

Chamber of Commerce Professional Development & Training Centre offers a comprehensive range of two-hour, four-hour, one-day and two-day courses on topics in the following categories: Legal Assist; Ken Blanchard Leadership Series; Workplace Essentials; Made For You; Small Biz Boot Camp. The Centre has also begun to offer select courses virtually. Go online or call the Chamber to find out more. Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 8090 or visit www.caymanchamber.ky.

Innovative Management & Professional Training (IMPT)
IMPT offers the Association of Accounting Technicians Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. The AAT is an international accounting technician body that has students and members in more than 100 countries. IMPT also offers the Certified Business Professional Seminar Series and the ILM levels 2, 3 & 5 certifications for current and aspiring team leaders and managers. A range of 1-day seminars and workshops are also offered to help employees sharpen their computer, business, and management skills. Tel: (345) 943 4678, email: info@impttraining.com or visit www.impttraining.com.

Hospitality & Culinary

UCCI offers various certification courses, including stand-alone short and hobby courses, delivered over 7 to 14 weeks to people of all ages and abilities. These include Cake Decorating, Bread Making and Cooking Principles. Their Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism programme (3 semesters, full-time) is designed to prepare students for a successful and rewarding career in the Hospitality Industry. Students develop skills that would assist them to function effectively in the hospitality sector in the areas of administration, accounting, human resources, marketing and operations. Students gain exposure to the world of work through job placement, as well as the principles, techniques and ideas involved in the Hospitality Sector in the key areas: legal and illegal practices of the workplace, costing methods for maximum profitability, decision-making and key marketing principles related to hotel and restaurant businesses. Learn more about their Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Food Preparation and Front Office programme(s) by visiting www.ucci.edu.ky.

Occupational Safety & Health

Risk Consultancy Services Ltd. (RCS) offers a 30–hour OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health) training programme in rigging and lifting procedures for crane operations, fall protection training, scaffold building, forklift operator training, hazardous material handling, fire warden training and PHTLS training (pre-hospital trauma life support). They also offer a full risk management consultancy service for the construction industry. Call Julius Jacky on (345) 326 1007 or email: julius.jacky@rcs.ky for more information.

Inspire Cayman Training, through BIS Safety Software offers courses for the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) professional. They have 2,000 health and safety courses which can be done through online training.

Personal Trainer Certification Courses

Fitness Connection located in South Sound, runs ongoing ISCA programmes in kick boxing, personal training and Mat Pilates, AEA (Aquatic Fitness Instructor Certification), as well as SAI swimming instructor training courses. The instructor/owner, Laura Ribbins, has been an international training specialist for over 30 years. Call Laura Ribbins on (345) 949 8485 or email fitness@fitness.ky for more information.

Bliss Living Yoga (Tel: (345) 949 9642) has offered the Yoga Alliance RYT200 Registered Yoga Teacher course in the past. Contact them directly to find out when they are offering it again.

Plumbing/Electrical/Electrical Technology Courses

Inspire Cayman Training (ICT) offers NCCER and ASE certified courses in craft professions (Carpentry, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical and Construction Craft Labourer). Partnering with Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC), courses are taught at Grade 8 standard. ICT provides portable credentials to all trainees and these credentials are tracked through NCCER's Registry System, which allows all organisations to track the qualifications of their craft professionals and check the qualifications of possible new hires. Trainees must achieve a passing score of 70% or greater on the module test and performance profile to earn a certification. ICT provides portable credentials to all trainees. These credentials are tracked through NCCER’s Registry System that allows organisations and companies to track the qualifications of their craft professionals and/or check the qualifications of possible new hires. Trainees must achieve a passing score of 70% or greater on the module test and performance profile to earn a certification. For more information see www.inspirecaymantraining.com.

UCCI offers multiple technical and vocational courses that include working in the field with employers who offer the practical side of the training. The courses include:

a) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to install, service and maintain refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. Upon successful completion of this qualification, the learners will be well equipped to start or progress their careers in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry.

b) Plumbing: the level 1 course aims to provide instruction, demonstration and practical experiences to facilitate the acquisition of basic skills. Students will learn to handle and store plumbing materials, use plumbing hand and power tools, read plans and calculate plumbing quantities, cut and join sheet metal and much more. The level 2 course prepares students for an industry-recognised qualification at an entry level. Building on competencies gained at Level 1, progress to a comprehensive understanding of domestic plumbing, covering both theory and practical, to enable them to work successfully as a Licensed Plumber.

c) Electrical Installation: the level 1 certificate serves as an introduction to the skills required to carry out a range of electrical installation activities needed to start working in the industry. The level 2 certificate Is a continuation of level 1 and is designed to give you the required level of understanding and knowledge to progress onto the Level 3 qualification and ultimately, to become a qualified Electrician.

d) Electro-Technology: this course is designed in conjunction with the Cayman Islands Contractors Association to create a young technician entry-level workforce that can make the progression to licensed status and beyond. Students will acquire a range of technical, practical, personal and organisational skills that are of value within and beyond the workplace. Graduates are eligible to enter the Associate Degree in Engineering Technology programme at UCCI.

Community Vocational Training Centre offer a course on how to do electrical wiring. The course is free, open to students aged 17+ and there are no entry requirements. The course is held in the evening from 6pm–8pm. Call Allan Moore on (345) 917 7320.

Cayman Islands Fire Service

Firefighting is an extremely physical career path. To join the Cayman Islands Fire Service you must be over 18, be able to regularly lift 20-30lbs, and occasionally lift up to 165lbs. You must also be physically fit, be able to swim, have a clean police record, have no fear of heights and show no signs of claustrophobia. Applications are welcomed from both men and women. All officers must complete a Trainee Firefighter course, which is a comprehensive course that covers all areas that the service is responsible for. This includes the Domestic Division (which deals with structure and motor vehicle fires) and the Aerodrome Division (which deals with aeronautical/aircraft rescue and firefighting, etc). Completion of this comprehensive course will give you an internationally recognised certification in Aeronautical Firefighting. The fire service also offers internships, which can be a great way to get involved with the service early on. For more information visit www.cifs.gov.ky or call: (345) 949 2276.

Cayman Islands Prison Service

To join H. M. Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS) there are the following requirements: you must be 18 or over, have three high school pass grades (inc. Maths and English), and a clear criminal record. The recruitment process involves three stages:

• 1) passing a written exam
• 2) passing a fitness assessment
• 3) an in person interview

If successful, you will begin a nine to eleven week training course comprised of classroom work and field-based training that will lead to a six months probationary contract followed by an open contract (for Caymanians) and a two-year contract (for non-Caymanians). Tel: (345) 640 3000 or email: prisoncareers@gov.ky.

Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS)

Applicants for the position of Recruit Constable in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) should be Caymanian (as defined under the Cayman Islands Immigration Act) or Permanent Resident (with the right to work without restrictions), be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, hold a minimum of a High School Diploma or a General Education Degree (GED) from an accredited institution with a minimum of five (5) CXC passes or equivalent, two (2) of which should be in English and Mathematics, be computer literate, have a clean driving and criminal record, and be in good health and physical condition.

Applicants who are shortlisted will undergo a comprehensive recruitment and selection process, which includes the following steps: Initial and secondary vetting to ensure a favourable background check, an entrance examination comprising both computer and written tests focusing on the subjects Math & English, a physical fitness test (specifically the 5.4 bleep test), a structured formal interview, a medical examination, and if successful in all preceding stages, are then extended a formal offer to join The Service.

Prospects who accept the offer to join RCIPS will undergo 17-22 consecutive weeks of initial training. Upon completion of this training, they will graduate before being officially deployed under the guidance of a tutor.

Following graduation, Recruit Constables will embark on a two-year probationary period. Throughout this duration, they will engage in continuous training and development, gaining exposure to various units including Community Policing, Traffic, Drugs and Serious Crime, Criminal Investigations, Financial Crimes, Firearms Response, Air Operations, Security Intelligence Unit, and the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. This period also provides opportunities for Recruit Constables to interact with senior officers and explore areas where they exhibit a natural inclination. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, Recruit Constables will then culminate in their formal designation as Police Constables.

For more information, please visit the RCIPS website at www.rcips.ky. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and LinkedIn or email the RCIPS Human Resources Unit at RCIPSRecruitment@rcips.ky.
To apply to an open recruitment, visit the Cayman Islands Government website at www.careers.gov.ky – recruitment season varies from year to year.

National Training Programmes

Passport2Success
The programme began in 2010 as an initiative offered through Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) and is supported by some of Cayman's major employers. This employment preparedness course is geared towards Caymanians and designed to enhance workplace readiness skills and increase the employability of its participants, developing skills through training seminars, therapeutic intervention, community service and work experience. All applicants will be required to register with WORC which provides access to the Jobs Cayman portal, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and the Training and Development Unit, to access training, internship and apprenticeship opportunities. To apply for a place on the course email: WORC.training@gov.ky.

Ready2Work is a Government programme for Caymanian job seekers who are unemployed, underemployed or simply seeking a career change, and high school or recent university graduates. The programme delivers structured training, individual and group guidance and other support mechanisms to mitigate the barriers to accessing gainful employment. Ready2Work partners with private sector employers seeking to connect with local talent interested in gainful employment. Private sector businesses can access a subsidy, which provides funding to assist with the costs of participating in the programme. For more information call (345) 244 4048 or email: Ready2Work@gov.ky.

See here for more information on the Cayman Islands' National Training Programmes.

Teaching

For those who would like to go into teaching, UCCI offers the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This intensive 15-month programme for bachelor’s degree holders, focuses on teaching and learning methodologies designed to enhance teaching skills at the primary level. Courses in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies include practical experience affording candidates the opportunity to connect theory and practice in the classroom.

UCCI also offers the Early Childhood Education Diploma and this is taught in conjunction with work in some of Cayman's preschools..

Child Safeguarding Training Requirements

It is worth noting that all volunteers and staff that work in an educational institution must undergo Ministry of Education approved safeguarding training. What it involves, and how often you have to do it, is outlined below.

Pre-Employment Training
A Ministry of Education approved training must be done before anyone who works in an educational institution can start work. This only needs to be done once but a refresher course is recommended every four years. The options include:

Darkness to Light
Two modules are required and both can be online: i) Stewards of Children and ii) Recognising Child Abuse and Neglect. You can contact the Cayman Islands Red Cross on vrm@redcross.org.ky to learn about how to sign up for the course.

Other alternative training courses can be used but they must be approved by the Ministry of Education. Approved courses include Second Step’s ‘Child Protection Unit’ Module 2 and EduCare’s ‘Child Protection Course’.

Once Employed in an Educational institution
In addition to the Darkness to Light Modules 1 and 2 training, or their alternative, everyone who works in an educational institution must take the Ministry of Education’s Child Safeguarding Workshop (CSW) Modules 1 and 2. This training must be taken every 3 years and must be taken at the first opportunity after someone has commenced employment in an educational institution.

Child Safeguarding Workshop Online Module
This course has been developed in Cayman specifically for Cayman. Anyone who works in an educational institution, or anyone who is subcontracted to work in an educational institution, must take this course once every 3 years. The first part is done online and can be accessed by contacting the Camila Ferreira at the Ministry of Education on email: camila.ferreira@gov.ky. The second part, which involves trained trainers must be booked in.

Child Safeguarding’s Skills Development & Practical In-Person Module
This section of the Child Safeguarding Workshop covers the policies, procedures and laws in relation to child protection in the Cayman Islands. This course has been developed in Cayman specifically for Cayman. Anyone who works in an educational institution, or anyone who is subcontracted to work in an educational institution, must take this course once every 3 years. The first part is done online and can be accessed by contacting Camila Ferreira at the Ministry of Education on email: camila.ferreira@gov.ky. The second part, which involves trained trainers, must be booked in.

Ongoing Training and Refresher Courses
At the beginning of each new school year, each educational institution is required to carry out two mini training courses that cover child safeguarding training. These are made up of:

a) A review of the educational institution’s ‘Policies and Procedures’ with their staff. See below. The Ministry of Education can give an educational institution a child protection policy template that each school can adapt and adopt for their setting.

b) Cover a safeguarding topic of the school’s choice. For example, they can chat about how to recognize or respond to disclosures.

Important to Know
There are three policies under the child protection umbrella

1) The Reporting Policy
- Who reports, under what timeframe and how do they report a suspicion or problem

2) Staff Code of Conduct
- Behaviours (appropriate and inappropriate) are outlined, general conduct, communication and physical behaviour.

3) Safe Environment Policy
- Outlines how to ensure an environment is safe and protective, including guidelines for visibility, supervision and controlling access.

Reporting
In an education institution a staff member would follow that institutions’ abuse and neglect reporting policy. The institution would often have one person assigned as the ‘Child Protection Officer’, or the ‘Designated Safeguarding Lead’ and this person would fill out the MASH form. MASH stands for Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub and it is made up of the DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) plus the Family Support Unit of the Police. This form then gets emailed to MASH@gov.ky and the report is escalated. All schools should have the forms but they can also be requested from the Ministry of Education or from MASH.

If you witness abusive behavior outside of an educational institution it is recommended that you call MASH, or after hours, the police. If a parent has a concern, they can contact MASH directly on tel: (345) 945-0545.