News

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (Tuesday, August 21, 2012) - Following through with a commitment to advance young Turks and Caicos Islanders, academically and professionally, FortisTCI has named Judine Gaudard as the Utilities 2012 Scholarship Recipient.

Judine anticipates the start of her studies in Electrical Engineering at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. While there is a scarcity of local engineers, Judine says that she was destined to work in the field. The young scholar placed second overall in Electrical and Electronic Technology at Clement Howell High School in Providenciales. She has also obtained the highest possible score in that category during CXC examinations, and acquired an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. "I became interested in engineering while in the fourth form. It was then that I recognized my talent with troubleshooting and working with my hands," said Judine. "I am very excited about my future because this is what I have always wanted to do. Furthering my education is important to me."

To date FortisTCI has awarded four, four-year scholarships. Two candidates have earned Bachelor's Degrees in Electrical Engineering. One candidate is currently abroad studying for her Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and is expected to return to the Islands upon completion of her studies. Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Ruth Forbes said, "Developing human resources will continue to be one of our major strategic priorities. The Company spends about a quarter of a million dollars on training, which is in addition to the recently launched Student Summer Internship and Employment Programmes. We are certain that Judine will be a credit to herself, to the Company, and to the country."

Judine officially joined the FortisTCI team in May 2012 and is currently employed as a Mechanical Apprentice. FortisTCI aims to give their scholarship recipients hands on experience in the utility industry prior to, during, and following studies to better enhance their skills and knowledge base. She is expected to depart for Canada in September 2012.