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ROANOKE RAPIDS — Tim Tomlin with White Motors in Roanoke Rapids achieved his Ford Senior Master Technician title, the highest status a Ford or Lincoln technician can earn. “It just means you done put your time in and your training and all that to get it where you can say that you are one of a handful of people around the United States to be able to work on anything that Ford makes,” Tomlin said. The 50-year-old of Pleasant Hill said a technician can diagnose the vehicle, but to attain a Ford Master Technician, one has to complete classes in either chassis, power train and suspension categories, and all three for Senior Master Technician plus five years as a Ford technician. “Once you get all three categories, then you become a Senior Master after five years,” he said. “So, you can just get like a Master tech in chassis or power train or suspension, but to become the Senior Master, you have to have all those classes that Ford offers, plus the five years time in.” Tomlin said he always tinkered with equipment as a kid, such as lawnmowers, bicycles, and go-karts, given that his father was a farmer. He said he got into the profession because his son was at the age of playing baseball and football, but he was working a night shift job. Tomlin said he had a friend who had a mechanic shop and needed somebody he did not have to train. He said he went to NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville and has been doing mechanic work since 2005. “So I went to school, graduated, came back Friday, came back to work and started with him Monday,” Tomlin said. For his Master Technician status, he said there were a lot of online courses that he had to take, but for certification, he had to go to classrooms. Tomlin said some classes were two or four days, an electrical class was two weeks in Charlotte, and his other classes took him to Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Georgia for the five-year program. “Normally, it’s like a four-day class — the first three days is all going over whatever the class is about,” he said. “The last day, in the morning, it’s normally like going over the last thing you’ve done the day before, and then a review, and then you have to take a class. You take the test and an on-hand test, and normally, you had to get like 80% or better on both.” Tomlin said vehicles have changed a bit over the years, such as having more electronic modules and how more compact vehicles are becoming. “Especially on little small cars like the Mavericks [Ford truck] and others, up under the hood, everything’s compacted on top of each other,” he said. “To get to some of the sensors, you actually have to take, like, half the motor apart to get to a sensor and be able to change them because of where they put it at.” Overall, Tomlin said he is proud of his recent accomplishment of becoming a Ford Senior Master Technician. “It took a while to get it, but it’s just like anything you do — you set a goal and you strive to get to it,” he said. “Like I said, the five years is the biggest thing.” Herbert Kitchen, service direct at White Motors, said the business has been around since 1938, and having a Master Technician allows the shop to have direct access to the Ford Engineering Department. “It also allows you to hire young techs, and they can work under the direct supervision of the Senior Master tech to allow you to increase shop productivity and take care of your customers in a more timely manner,” Kitchen said. Patrick Winchester, service manager for the Ford and Chrysler store, said Tomlin has worked hard over the years to achieve the status. “It’s definitely something that takes a lot of work and a lot of time to put into,” Winchester said. “Tim’s done great with it. He is the most Senior Master Tech that we have here at the moment, and we look forward to him mentoring other young technicians who are interested in coming in and learning how the automotive industry works and working towards achieving the same credentials that he has.” Kitchen said they had a meeting with Ford and Halifax Community College on Dec. 5 and announced that White Motors and the college have partnered with Ford to launch the Ford Automotive Career Exploration Program that will allow students receiving an associate degree in automotive the opportunity to be employed directly with a Ford dealership after school. Thomas Mims, workforce development coordinator at HCC, said the program will begin in the spring of 2025 and is designed for those who are interested in an automotive career. Mims said it offers hands-on experience and completes computerized assignments tailored to the needs of the automotive industry. “We are excited to partner with Ford to offer this opportunity to our community,” he said. “This program not only prepares students for rewarding careers in the automotive industry but also enhances their skills with a mix of practical and technological training.” Mims said the program will cost $196 per person and features night and weekend class options to accommodate schedules. Anyone interested in the Ford ACE Program can call HCC Workforce Development at 252-536-6377 or email shorttermtraining@halifaxcc.edu .
https://arab.news/28erc RIYADH: Saudi utility giant ACWA Power is leading efforts in the global energy and water sectors by significantly reducing the power consumption of desalination processes, a key official said. In an interview on the sidelines of the COP16, Abdurahman Al-Sum, executive director of environmental, social, and governance at ACWA Power, highlighted the company’s achievements in cutting desalination energy use by more than 87 percent over the last decade. These efficiency milestones reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. “We are also the first mover in the green hydrogen sector. We provide water to communities at a very low rate, and we also provide decarbonized energy to these communities, as well. This, in turn, indirectly helps tackle water scarcity,” Al-Sum explained. ACWA Power, one of the largest private sector players in water desalination and renewable energy, is prioritizing environmental protection through initiatives in biodiversity, particularly in its water, sea, and land operations. Al-Sum explained that biodiversity protection is integrated at every stage of its operations, from design to execution. “We start with the design phase, and we do all the studies needed for biodiversity while we are doing environmental and social impact assessments,” he said. The company has also committed to planting one million trees by 2030 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, further underlining its dedication to sustainability. “We have a nursery in Shuaibah for whoever wants to contribute or participate. They can get the plants and start planting it,” Al-Sum added. Highlighting ACWA Power’s emphasis on collaboration, Al-Sum discussed how the company relies on joint ventures and partnerships to fulfill its mission. “We always work with partners. We always work in joint ventures with others,” he said, referencing the company’s projects in the Red Sea region, which are vital to providing fresh water to local communities. In terms of innovation, Al-Sum noted that research and development has been a central pillar of the company’s operations since its inception. ACWA Power’s focus on R&D has enabled significant reductions in desalination energy use. “Ten years ago, one cubic meter needed around more than 20 kilowatt-hours. Today, we are producing the same with less than three. It is 2 point something kWh per cubic meter,” he said. Al-Sum also highlighted the company’s global efforts to support coral reef research in collaboration with the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, a G20 initiative focused on protecting the world’s coral reefs. “Our coral research is freely available for global benefit,” he said. The company’s contributions to Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability goals were also discussed, with Al-Sum emphasizing the firm’s work in clean water, renewable energy, and climate action. “SDG number six, for instance, is about clean water, which is central to our business. We also focus on SDG seven, which promotes affordable and clean energy. Climate action is another major focus for us,” he explained. Additionally, the Energy and Water Academy, a nonprofit that trains students in renewable energy and desalination, has trained over 15,000 students, many of whom are now working in Saudi Arabia’s energy and water sectors. “The academy is a nonprofit organization where even our competitors send their students and employees for training,” Al-Sum said, adding that the institution also ensures opportunities for women in these specialized fields. Looking ahead, Al-Sum discussed the company’s role in Saudi Arabia’s transition to renewable energy, working with the government to integrate clean energy into the country’s grid. He emphasized the importance of a gradual transition to avoid disruption to daily life. In closing, Al-Sum talked about a recent partnership with the Sekaya Charitable Foundation to build a microwater grid in one of ACWA Power’s operating communities. “We are partnering with Sekaya Charitable Foundation to build a micro water grid in one of the communities where we operate,” he said. This partnership, alongside others in the public and private sectors, is seen as a key part of ACWA Power’s role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic and sustainability goals.
Bell Potter names more of the best ASX 200 shares to buy in 2025Josh Dallas didn’t become an integral part of the Georgia Southern offense overnight. It just may seem that way. Dallas, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound redshirt sophomore wide receiver who played his high school football at Trinity Christian High School in Sharpsburg, Ga., where he was coached by his father, Kenny, is beginning to bloom and become a threat under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Ryan Aplin. A member of Coach Clay Helton’s first recruiting class along with his brother David, who is a quarterback currently on the sidelines due to an injury, Dallas is an excellent example of the by-product of hard work and coaching. “It’s been a cool transition,” said Dallas of his evolving into being one of the Eagles’ playmakers. “I’ve been here a few years now. The first year I redshirted, last year I got to play a lot of special teams and I integrated a little bit with the offense. “This past season I got challenged by Coach Ap,” Dallas said. “I was going to get an opportunity this year to be a playmaker. “The first few games I got some good opportunities but as the season has progressed, I think Coach Ap has done a really good job of really using all of us to the best of our abilities. Everyone on the field is a little different and so I think he’s done a great job of figuring out different ways to use all of us.” Although he has decent speed and quickness Dallas is not a speed burner. He is an excellent route runner and has sure hands. He is also developing an ability to create separation from defenders. For the season Dallas has 34 catches for 490 yards and four touchdowns, an average of 14.41 yards per catch. He also has one touchdown rushing, that coming against Troy last Saturday. However, it was once Sun Belt Conference play that Dallas began showing his potential. He had a coming out party against Georgia State when he caught nine balls for 89 yards and his first collegiate touchdown. In six conference games he has 27 receptions for 388 yards and four touchdowns. Dallas gives Aplin a great deal of credit for his improving numbers but he admits he has also put in a great deal of work to make himself better. “It took a little bit of time to figure out where I truly fit in with the offense,” Dallas said. “Coach Ap has done a great job of fitting me in different cool sets, too. “I continue to work on coming out of the breaks and stuff,” Dallas said. “I think I run really solid routes, but I’m continuing to work on all those things. The reason I’m able to produce this year is because I’ve put my head down and I’ve worked catching JC (quarterback JC French) and coming out of my breaks every single day, perfecting my routes and working on leverage to create separation, maybe chicken winging the guy to create separation. “If I can be physical with the DB and create separation JC is always going to throw a great ball and it helps him if I can create some separation at the top of my route.” As the son of a successful football coach —Trinity won a state championship Dallas’ senior year when it went 14-0 after having lost in the championship game the previous year and Kenny is 154-74 overall – Dallas has a thorough understanding of the game which enables him to assist teammates. “I pride myself on a leadership role,” Dallas said. “I like to think when I’m out there I make the guys around me better in the sense I have one of the best grasps of the offense in the building so I can help guys be where they need to be, learning the system, learning the game plan, in the film room. I just want to make everyone around me better.”
( MENAFN - APO Group) The government will enhance support for the Kenya Navy to boost its ability to safeguard the country's maritime borders. President William Ruto said this will include investing in advanced technologies and modernising the navy's fleet. He said the government will also bolster the skills and operational capacity of navy personnel. “Our singular focus will be on maintaining a high state of readiness to ensure that we respond swiftly and effectively to an increasingly dynamic security environment,” he said. Speaking during the Kenya Navy's 60th anniversary at the Kenya Navy Base, Mtongwe, in Mombasa County, he commended the navy for its unwavering commitment to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The strategic importance of the Kenya Navy cannot be overstated. It serves as a deterrent to external aggression, a safeguard of our sovereignty and a defender of our territorial integrity,” he said. He noted that, even though the navy is the youngest branch of the Kenya Defence Forces, its track record is one to be proud of. “As Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, I am immensely proud of KDF's achievements as an institution, and particularly of the Kenya Navy,” he said. The President said the Navy has been instrumental in unlocking Kenya's immense untapped potential in the blue economy. “By investing in maritime infrastructure and enhancing its security, we not only improve our naval capabilities but also create opportunities for wealth generation and job creation,” he said. President Ruto commended the synergy between the navy and the Kenya Coast Guard Service, which formed the cornerstone of Kenya's National Maritime Defence Strategy. He stated that the two institutions protect the country's coastline, combat illegal activities, secure maritime resources and safeguard sea lanes of communication and trade. “Their collaboration exemplifies the spirit of multi-agency synergy and the whole-of-government approach that is essential to our national security,” he said. President Ruto, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, called on members of the disciplined forces to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and excellence. “By working together as one team, we will overcome any challenge, transcend every obstacle, navigate the uncertainties of the future and continue to make the Kenya Navy a source of pride for our nation,” he added. During the colourful event, President Ruto unveiled a commemorative book, 'Kenya Navy at 60'. Chief of the Defence Forces Charles Kahariri said the Kenya Navy has continued to defend Kenyan waters and maritime interests since its establishment. “This has earned the Kenya Navy admiration both at home and abroad,” he said. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said Kenya Navy's contribution to the blue economy has boosted the actualisation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. “Our efforts in protecting our maritime ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of maritime resources contribute to the prosperity of our nation,” he said. Also present at the function were Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi (Treasury), Salim Mvurya (Trade), Margaret Nyambura (ICT), Governors Abdullswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Fatuma Achani (Kwale) and MPs MENAFN14122024004934011406ID1108993368 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.