Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority

 
 

Overview
This case study profiles action learning at the Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) and highlights the learning outcomes from TCIAA-GULL participants in July 2009. TCIAA operates the TCI's eight regional airports: Providenciales International, Grand Turk International, North Caicos International, South Caicos International, Middle Caicos, Salt Cay, Pine Cay and Ambergris Cay.

Air transport between the main islands is important because The TCI comprises 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The islands are located 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, just below the Bahamas chain and just to the northeast of Cuba and north of the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti.)

John T Smith Chief Executive TCIAA

 

1. TCIAA-GULL highlights, July 2009
The videos in this section demonstrate the value of action learning in a complex airport operations environment. They feature a senior group who completed a foundation level certification (Professional Bachelor Level 2) to initiate TCIAA's adoption of the GULL system for personal and professional development throughout the TCI.

‘It has been a remarkable journey – the GULL process raised many questions for me. I have discovered a lot about myself and it is helping me to think about what I need to do to make myself even better. I want to endorse the action learning process. You can sit in the Air Traffic Control unit, participate in a discussion and learn so much in a few minutes - it would takes months to learn these same things in a university classroom.’ Eon Morrison, Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor, TCIAA.

 

Refining professionalism
‘I’ve really enjoyed this course so far and I’ve learnt a lot from it. I’m looking forward to acquiring more skills and to developing the skills that I have already acquired in order that I can become a more complete person and a true professional. I’d like to be a role model for others at work and in the community too. During my research, I discovered that the objective of GULL is not only to certify professionals at work but also to assist those in the community to be more productive.’ EM, Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor, TCIAA.

 

 

I have seen the difference ...
‘Thank you staying with it and for completing your individual projects. I have seen the difference and you’ll be working even more closely together at the next level as you journey together via group projects.’ Claudia Been-Munnings, Human Resources, Training & Development Manager, TCIAA, 22 July 2009

 

The power of personal learning
‘I found this entire exercise to be most enlightening. At the outset, the personal learning statement really opened my eyes as I have not consciously stopped to think about my professional goals. I’ve been an Air Traffic Controller for almost 20 years now and so this is what I know and I am accustomed to telling people what to do. GULL is causing me to think and I realize that in life I have a long way to go and this is just the beginning.’ JJ, Air Traffic Controller and Supervisor, TCIAA.

 

Increased self awareness
‘It was pleasure to participate in the GULL process. It took a lot of time and effort to compile the personal learning statement but it helped me to get a better feel as to where I am heading from a professional standpoint. Overall this experience was so important ... It helped me to look at myself and to evaluate whether I am doing enough to motivate my staff. The process also helped me to evaluate my own managerial effectiveness in terms of interacting with staff. In so doing, it helped me to see where I was falling short in certain areas and how I need to develop my own skills so as to sustain the motivation and productivity of my team.’ ER, Executive Air Traffic Control Manager, TCIAA

 

The power of reflection
‘This has been an interesting experience because at the beginning I found it difficult. After a while the process clicked and towards the end of this level, I found that I had the assignments ready ahead of schedule. The programme made me more aware of who I am and what I want to do. I found that if you really want to do it, you can, but you have to get yourself into the right frame of mind. GULL gives you an opportunity to stop and think instead of the routine ‘this is next’ etc. I found that I was learning to hold back and to reflect more.’ DR, Engineering Manager, TCIA

 

Personal development
‘Starting this programme was exciting for me because my husband was a GULL participant at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa. When Claudia brought the programme to TCIAA, I really wanted to be a part of it. I didn’t realize at the time how challenging it is, but everyone here has been helpful and my family have been encouraging me. My kids try to help me out – especially on the computer in the evenings. I enjoy doing this – it has really opened up a lot for me. It has helped me to reflect on the things that I do day to day and where I can improve, so as to assist the people around me, assist with customer service and in order to broaden my own sphere of work.’ SW, Executive Personal Assistant to the CEO, TCIAA

 

 

 

 

How can my organization get involved?
Thank you for reading this case study. Do please think about what you can offer and how you might inspire others in your organization to get involved. Together, we can bring hope and opportunity to the many people around the world who do not have access to lifelong learning. GULL works with organizations that share our vision for universal access to learning in the workplace and in the community. If you would like to affiliate with GULL's network movement, please review the 'Affiliation' section at the GULL website - www.gullonline.org. There are no membership fees or other barriers to participation - we'd like to work with you to harness all the skills and abilities that your organization can offer in order to help others to learn, grow and develop. Please note though that GULL does not have the resources to support individual learners and it is for this reason we can only correspond with organizations via their nominated representative(s).

 

GULL is a not-for-profit foundation registered in California, USA. GULL is recognized by the Government of Papua New Guinea & endorsed by other Governments, Leaders & Institutions.

 
 
© GULL | Global University for Lifelong Learning
Enabling YOU to make a difference in OUR world