The Tribune

Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) has invested in a comprehensive, 20-week training programme for its plant operators that started on November 19, 2012.

The courses are being conducted by international trainers, and were specifically designed for GBPC to align with its plant-specific procedures and processes.

“Our training and technology skills programmes are delivering the knowledge and expertise our employees need to succeed in a progressive workplace,” said Whitney Heastie, vice-president of generation. “We have improved and expanded training practices to ensure that our staff is at world-class standards.”

The training programme is two-phased. For the first 16 weeks, employees will be engaged in extensive theory instruction related to a variety of systems in the generating plant.

Educational topics include Thermodynamics, Control Instrumentation and Applied Mechanics. This will be followed by a four-week theoretical and practical course in Diesel Engine Operation and Maintenance.

Mr Heastie said effective training is important at every company, but is especially crucial in the power industry.

“We must stay current with changes in plant systems and processes in order for us to fulfill our mandate to provide our customers with safe, reliable and efficient service,” he said.

The training programme is key to GBPC’s overall improvement plans for the utility, helping to bring a higher quality of service to customers and investing in employees’ skills development.

GBPC employs more than 140 Bahamians.