Jamaica is set to become the first Caribbean island to certify individuals in electric vehicle repair, maintenance, and safety through the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), the leading professional body for the automotive industry based in the United Kingdom.

This certification process will be implemented through the JPS Foundation and IDB Lab’s Train-the-Trainer program, part of the eDrive project. The initiative aims to train 15 mechanics and emergency response instructors, covering courses such as Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Hazard Management and Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement.

These trainees from various institutions, including a Ministry of Education institution, the Jamaica Defense Force’s Caribbean Military Academy, and the HEART/NSTA Trust, will undergo five days of intensive training. Following this training, they will be responsible for educating over 400 individuals across the island in electric vehicle maintenance and emergency response.

At the program’s launch, held at the HEART/NSTA Trust—Jamaican-German Automotive School on June 21, 2022, Ramsay McDonald, Senior Vice President of Customer Services at JPS and Deputy Chairman of the JPS Foundation emphasized the importance of capacity building in the electric vehicle sector. He stated that the Train-the-Trainer program is a crucial step toward equipping Jamaican auto technicians with the necessary resources for maintenance and repair.

“The world of electric mobility will require support and knowledgeable personnel to assist Jamaican drivers and owners. This is where the Train-the-Trainer program comes into play. It will create a ripple effect, with the first set of trainers empowering others, ultimately leading to a pool of skilled professionals ready to facilitate the use of electric cars and buses,” he explained.

Andrew Latham, Senior Instructor of EINTAC, a UK-based company with IMI certification, conducts the training sessions at the HEART/NSTA Trust—Jamaican-German Automotive School.

During the event, Novelette Denton Prince, Acting Managing Director of the HEART/NSTA Trust, expressed her organization’s eagerness to contribute to advancing electric vehicle training and development. She mentioned that HEART institutions across the island and the Jamaican German Automotive School (JAGAS) have been identified to train 200 first responders and 200 auto mechanics in electric vehicle technology.

“As the world evolves and renewable energy processes develop, the HEART/NSTA Trust is prepared to adapt and undertake critical initiatives to enhance human development, build greener industries, and drive economic growth,” she stated.

Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of the local training partner institution Green Solutions International (GSI), highlighted that his team has been collaborating with the JPS Foundation and HEART/NSTA for the past six months to review codes and safety standards related to electric vehicles. These codes will ensure safety and consistency for consumers and installers while providing clear expectations for manufacturers, installers, and business owners within the electric vehicle industry.

Additionally, this team has been developing curricula adapted from the Institute of Motor Industry, focusing on the Jamaican context. They have also been working on creating NVQJ standards for training curricula for first responders and auto mechanics.

The JPS Foundation and IDB Lab’s eDrive project is one of several initiatives established to prepare Jamaica for the convergence of energy and transportation. The primary objective of this project is to create a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem, which includes implementing the necessary elements for the growth and expansion of the emerging electric mobility industry.