JAGAS Gets Electric Vehicle Charging Station

JAGAS Equipped with EV Charging Station to Boost Local Automotive Training

The Jamaican-German Automotive School (JAGAS) has been outfitted with an electric vehicle (EV) charging station to enhance training for local auto mechanics in EV technology.

Donated by the Canadian High Commission, the station was officially handed over and commissioned into service during a ceremony at JAGAS’ Maxfield Avenue location on Tuesday, March 15. This addition supports Jamaica’s capacity-building programme for the electric mobility market by providing technical and mechanical training resources.

Chairman of the HEART/NSTA Trust Board of Directors, Professor Alvin Wint, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing its alignment with efforts to transition from internal combustion engines to EVs. “We want to ensure that our trainees are facilitated by equipment that is state-of-the-art and that they, themselves, are in a position to contribute to the improvement of our skillsets here in Jamaica,” he said. He further noted that the initiative underscores HEART/NSTA’s commitment to aligning training with the needs of Jamaica’s workforce.

The donation will help JAGAS maintain its position as a leader in vocational training across Jamaica and the Caribbean, Professor Wint added.

Strengthening Canada-Jamaica Collaboration

Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic, highlighted the upskilling opportunities this initiative provides. “We look forward to the expected upskilling opportunities resulting from this cooperation,” she said.

As part of a joint Canada-Jamaica initiative, 35 auto mechanics from HEART/NSTA-operated facilities and other technical institutions in Jamaica will participate in a training course on Electric Vehicle Fundamentals Charging Infrastructure. This two-part programme will be delivered in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the University of Technology (UTech).

The High Commissioner emphasized the longstanding partnership between Canada and Jamaica in education, training, development, trade, defence, and business. She reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to collaborating on emerging industries, such as clean technologies and electric transport. “We look forward to continuing to work with… the public and private sectors as we pursue bilateral relations on international partnership opportunities in new and emerging industries such as climate focus, clean technologies, electric transport, and the training associated with these new careers,” she said.

This initiative represents a significant step toward equipping Jamaica’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving automotive and renewable energy sectors.