Course crucial

“We are in a technological era where change is rapid, therefore we need to have dynamic persons who understand the impact of change.”

This is the opinion of Marine Engineer Wayne Griffith, who was speaking at a closing ceremony at the Barbados Coast Guard recently. He was at the time announcing the 11 graduates completing the first Regional Security System (RSS) Training Institute Engineering Management Course 2018.

“The mission is to develop a cadre of engineers to understand change and manage, which is key to move through their careers,” he said, while noting that there were two Barbadians that completed the course, which had four modules – Change Management, HR management, Engineer Management and workshop safety.

“This is the first programme and we want it to be an annual programme and we believe it will be a success for the organisation and the countries.”

Lieutenant Commander Jason Plumley Commanding Officer, Technical Assistance Field Team US Southern Command in his feature address indicated, “The ability to manage an engineering shop and be able to maximise its performance is a difficult, and often thankless task. It is the engineer’s job to fix what is broken, to think ahead so it won’t break and to communicate the importance of making the right decisions so the vessels that you are tasked with maintaining will be successful in their mission. It’s the combination of all these skilled that make a good engineer. It’s the mastery and furtherance of these skilled that makes a great engineer...”

“... In examining your coursework, the focus was four-fold: Management of Human Resources, Change Management, Engineering Management and Administration, and Workshop Safety and Environmental Principles.

“These are fundamental topics that bear consideration and are all pieces to understand the complexity that is inherent in our jobs.I look at Engineering Management as entirely encompassing and one that makes a difference to all , not just the engineers and those who work with and for you.”

He told the graduates, “Congratulations on completing such a milestone in your careers and I wish you the best as you continue to provide security for your homes, nations, and region. You serve a noble profession and the results of a job well done can be seen in your communities, neighbour’s and family’s safety.” (NB)