News Releases

Manufacturing – The New Oil? UWI and TTMA sign MOU

For Release Upon Receipt - August 12, 2021

St. Augustine


The UWI St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago. Thursday, August 12, 2021 —   Students of the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) can look forward to more internship and training opportunities in the manufacturing sector. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The UWI and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) to collaborate on areas of Training, Human Resource Development, Process Improvement, Research and Development, and other areas of mutual interest. 

Dr. Terry Mohammed, Deputy Dean (Outreach) Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at The UWI St. Augustine Campus, believes that this partnership can contribute to the economic vibrancy of Trinidad and Tobago, “As the petroleum sector continues to shrink, we envision that the manufacturing sector will become the driving force for economic growth in the medium to long term. Having the appropriate resources and technologies available will benefit tremendously in providing our industries with the competitive edge needed to compete globally. UWI intends to intensify its role as a partner in this growth.” 

Dr. Terry Mohammed, Deputy Dean (Outreach) Faculty of Science and Technology (FST)

Dr. Terry Mohammed, Deputy Dean (Outreach) Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at The UWI St. Augustine Campus

The MOU, which was signed on May 4th, 2021, is expected to enhance stakeholder collaboration, provide an improved student experience, and increase knowledge exchange to optimize growth and development in the sector. “This MOU was conceived as a way to strengthen connections with our stakeholders and formally incorporate them into the curriculum development process,” said Dr. Mohammed. The collaboration will allow members of the TTMA to share their knowledge with students to help in their development of diverse workplace-ready skillsets. Relevant course outlines and skills development programs will be shared with TTMA to promote alignment to specific industry requirements. 

The MOU will provide a direct link between The UWI and TTMA members for collaboration on industry specific needs and provide industry-specific advisory support and technical expertise to TTMA. “The FST is seeking to increase its awareness of the needs of Manufacturers and to participate in the development of solutions to those needs.  We would also assist the Manufacturers by providing trained human resources and technical capacity to stimulate expansion and growth within the sector,” said Dr. Mohammed. The University will also invite the TTMA to contribute to the shape of new and current degree and professional training programs.  

In return, The TTMA will provide internship and training opportunities to students of The UWI through its membership whenever possible. President of the TTMA Ms. Tricia Coosal highlighted,

“TTMA is eager to execute a close collaboration with the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. TTMA believes close alignment between our two organizations is key to igniting interest and exposing students to the opportunities which exist in the manufacturing sector. The skills and principles that will be harnessed via internships and training in the sector will not only building capacity within the individual participating but will also be transferable to any field in their future.” 

Ms. Tricia Coosal, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association

Ms. Tricia Coosal, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association 

The association will also collaborate on joint innovation in areas including Product Development, ICT, Services, Packaging, Quality Assurance, HSE and Production. 

The UWI will soon start discussions with members of the TTMA to assess their needs and invite them to become part of the curriculum reform exercise. “We hope in the long term that Industry partners will be integrated into every aspect of UWI, from student development to technology and product development,” said Dr. Mohammed. 

-END- 

 

Notes to Editor 

·         To learn more about The Faculty of Science and Technology please visit https://sta.uwi.edu/fst/

·         To learn more about the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association please visit https://ttma.com/about-us/history/

 

About The UWI

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region. 

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and 10 global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe. 

The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world. 

Ranked among the top universities in the world, by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education, The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists. In 2020, it earned ‘Triple 1st’ rankings—topping the Caribbean; and in the top in the tables for Latin America and the Caribbean, and global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the top universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action. 

For more, visit www.uwi.edu. 

(Please note that the proper name of the university is The University of the West Indies, inclusive of the “The”, hence The UWI.) 

 

 

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