The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Mechanics and Auto Collision students participated in an engaging session recently hosted by Bahamas First’s First Response team in celebration of its 15th anniversary.
Pictured from left to right are BTVI’s Construction and Mechanical Trades Head of Department, Kenton Roker; Associate Vice President of Fund Development, Alicia Thompson; Bahamas First’s First Response Team Manager, Travis Donald and Group Marketing and Communications Manager, Melanie Hutcheson.
Bahamas First’s First Response team recently engaged over 20 Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) students in celebration of its 15th anniversary. Mechanics and Auto Collision trade majors based in New Providence and Grand Bahama gathered in-person and virtually to learn about First Response’s motor insurance and accident assistance service, the ongoing advancement of auto repairs, as well as the evolution of careers in the auto technicians sector and related fields.
During the event, First Response also donated $2,500 to BTVI’s Auto Mechanics Department and forecast internship opportunities for eligible students.
The company’s Group Marketing and Communications Manager, Melanie Hutcheson, highlighted that BTVI students are on the right track to succeeding in the world of work.
“Whether we think about it or not, we place a lot of trust in our cars and in the professionals who provide their routine maintenance or repair after a collision. At Bahamas First and First Response, we recognise a strong intersection between the automotive repair industry and insurance, and we are committed to preparing and guiding the next generation of Bahamian auto technicians and building local expertise.
“Manager of the First Response team, Travis Donald, was excited to speak with BTVI students on the automotive repair track to update them on the evolution of the industry and hopefully inspire them to see themselves thriving in the industry of tomorrow,” Ms. Hutcheson said.
BTVI’s Interim President, Dr. Linda A. Davis, expressed appreciation to First Response, noting that its team is one of the first groups to be BTVI guests during the new academic year.
“We are so excited to be partnering with Bahamas First during its 15th anniversary, especially as BTVI marks a record number of mechanic and auto students this year. As we continue to build our complement and refurbish our auto labs with new technology in the coming weeks and months, the opportunities that lie ahead are endless for our students during their development as leaders in the auto industry,” said Dr. Davis.
BTVI’s Auto Mechanics Diploma programme has a sequence of courses designed to prepare students to enter the workforce as entry level auto technicians, vehicle service writer, auto supplies salesperson or motor engineer’s assistant. Similarly, the Auto Collision Repair programme features courses designed for students to become entry level auto collision repair technicians, auto estimator’s apprentices or insurance adjuster apprentices.
A list of application requirements for these and other BTVI programmes, as well as the online BTVI application form can be found on btvi.edu.bs. Interested persons can also email [email protected] or WhatsApp (242)825-7078 or (242)829-2873 for additional details.