Bert Johnston, education director for the GCA Trades Academy, on Thursday spoke before delegates at the 20th annual Pacific Power Association conference, hosted by the Guam Power Authority at the Westin Resort-Guam.
Johnston introduced the trades academy and the variety of programs they offer, as well as the introduction of a new curriculum that would benefit the power industry.
Before Johnston spoke, he was introduced by James Martinez, president of the Guam Contractors Association, who said the partnership between GPA and the GCA Trades Academy “touches on training opportunities that would increase the capacities of not only our local contractors here, but also contractors throughout the region who are doing business in the power industry.”
An important thing to note about the GCA Trades Academy is that its programs are industry recognized and nationally accredited.
Under its National Center for Construction Education & Research curriculum, which is standardized for national recognition, textbooks are designed for second language learners and do not require a high school diploma. It’s also based on performance and competency.
GCA Trades Academy’s newest energy curriculum begins classes on Monday, and according to Johnston, the slots are filling up quickly.
The new curriculum, including its latest “Solar Photovoltaic System Installer,” features newly-published textbook material released just last month, on June 15.
“This is all brand new,” said Johnston. “We’re trying to introduce the fundamental class, probably in December.”
Johnston added that 11 people from GPA are already enrolled into the program.
The Pacific Power Association is an association of electricity utilities, organizations and individuals who have an interest in the operations and development of the power industry in Pacific island countries.
The main objective of PPA, according to its website, is to create an environment of “co-operative partnership” with the private sector, funding institutions, and others with interest in the development of the power industry and to enhance the role of the power sector in Pacific island countries.
Its conference theme this year is “The Role of Utilities in Support of Island Sustainability.”
