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Rotary Global Grant - Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise
August 2024
Title: Scholarships for 'Green' Jobs
Purpose
The purpose of this proposal is to advance the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the Cayman Islands by providing green jobs training to 25 Caymanians. The framework of the proposal is designed in a manner that can be used as a guide across the Caribbean. The proposal addresses a skills gap identified by a formal skills assessment conducted by the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) in partnership with the Government of the Cayman Islands, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Partner:
The partner is (UCCI). UCCI is the national tertiary institution for the Cayman Islands with approximately 2,000 students and over 70 full-time faculty and staff representing 30 nationalities.
Established in 1975, UCCI offers a variety of certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and continuing and professional education and workforce training programmes. UCCI is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC). Furthermore, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) accredits UCCI's business and management programmes. UCCI is also an approved training centre by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) - the leading US-based industry certified provider of construction, technical education and workforce readiness programmes.
UCCI is an award-winning university and recently received more than $1.4 million USD for two sustainability and climate resiliency grants. The outcomes of these grants include:
• The training of 53 unemployed and underemployed Caymanians in green and sustainable jobs in in-demand sectors including solar photovoltaic technology, sustainable building construction, information and communications technology and sustainable tourism. Currently, all of these individuals are employed in their field.
The sustainability efforts of UCCI can serve as a regional model for the Caribbean. Education is key to building a sustainable future for small island nations who are acutely aware of being vulnerable to the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change. UCCI is committed to serving as a 'model campus' that partners with other educational institutions in the Caribbean to facilitate knowledge exchanges and build regional capacity and spur action.
Alignment with a Rotary Area of Focus
UCCI proposes to train a cohort of 25 individuals in 'green jobs' of the future. There's a compelling business case for investing in training in this sector. There is growing market demand for these skills as there's a global shift toward renewable energy sources and an emphasis on green building technology and practices. Further, technological advancements in automation and smart grid technologies are constantly evolving and a skilled workforce is necessary to fully leverage their full potential. In Cayman, it is in our society's vital interest that UCCI builds a pipeline of qualified professionals to meet industry demand in sustainable technologies and practices. By providing high-quality vocational training, we empower individuals to secure stable employment, thereby enhancing their economic prospects and contributing to Cayman's economy. This initiative directly aligns with Rotary's Area of Focus on 'Community Economic Development'.
The proposed training of 25 individuals contributes towards 'futureproofing' Cayman's economy. The conducted labour market assessment (referred to earlier on page 1) identified the vital importance of growing the number of certified, workforce-ready employees to prepare for the expanding green economy. By equipping Caymanians with the skills to thrive in this rapidly growing sector, we are fostering economic self-sufficiency, job creation, and long-term community resilience.
The Programme (NCCER Certified Training in Green Jobs)
UCCI proposes to train 25 individuals in the following programs: Solar Photovoltaic, Construction Technology, Plumbing, Electro-technology, Electrical Installation and HVAC.
Program
Budget
Programme Item Proposed Budget
Tuition (25 students) $37,800,Tools & equipment $19,000, Books $6,100,Technology fee $2,200, Graduation fee for certifications by external bodies $2,400, Graduation/Awards ceremony $5,000, Administrative costs (student IDs, marketing, printing, etc.)$2,500
Total: $75,000
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