News Releases

UWI / Republic Bank World of Work Programme 17 Years of Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce

For Release Upon Receipt - October 19, 2023

St. Augustine


 

 Mr Ryan Assiu (Director of Advisors Next Door Limited, Sustainability and Change Expert), Ms. Michelle Dindial (Branch Sales Manager RBL UWID, Professor Indar Ramnarine (Deputy Principal, The UWI St. Augustine Campus), Miss Kathy-Ann Lewis (Manager Careers, Co-Curricular and Community Engagement, DSSD, The UWI St. Augustine Campus), Mr. Christopher Aird (Brand Specialist, Sponsorship and Events Execution, RBL), Dr. Deirdre Charles (Director, Division of Student Services and Development, The UWI St. Augustine Campus) and Natalie Burnette-AlfredSenior Officer, CSR Management and Strategic Support RBL

 

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. October 19, 2023 - In a world where education often ends at the classroom door, Republic Bank Limited (RBL) has been pioneering a 17-year-long partnership with The University of the West Indies (The UWI) to bridge the gap between academia and industry to empower the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the ever-evolving world of work. The UWI in collaboration with RBL recently hosted the Seminar and Launch of The UWI/RBL World of Work (WOW) 2023/2024 for final-year students on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Daaga Auditorium at The UWI St. Augustine Campus. The UWI/RBL World of Work (WOW) Programme is a comprehensive initiative designed to guide final-year students through the intricate career-building process and provide participants with practical insights and hands-on experience that will give them a competitive edge in today's job market.

 For nearly two decades, RBL has provided vital support to WOW, a programme that strives to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the workforce. RBL’s commitment goes beyond financial backing as it's about fostering a culture of curiosity, learning, and growth among the students. Guest speaker Ms. Michelle Dindial, Branch Sales Manager at RBL’s UWI Branch, emphasized the importance of WOW to participating students. She encouraged them to seize every opportunity to learn and to ask questions, believing that WOW holds the potential to become one of the most memorable and useful experiences of their university life. "Seventeen (17) years of partnership with The UWI," Ms. Dindial notes, "and we still believe WOW is one of the best and most comprehensive career and personal development programmes in the country and the region."

 The WOW programme was started more than 25 years ago and helps students to develop important skills such as communication skills and negotiation skills and soft skills such as communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are increasingly becoming the differentiators in career success. These skills not only enhance employability but also empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence. Further, this year's WOW programme will include an exciting corporate fashion initiative, that takes an innovative step forward by introducing a corporate fashion aspect. This new initiative not only provides students with access to complimentary business attire but also aims to instill a deeper understanding of corporate branding, personal presentation, and the importance of professional image in the world of business.

 Featured speaker, sustainability and climate change expert and Director of Advisors Next Door Limited Mr. Ryan Assiu, appealed to the participants by reminding them that “The difference between a highly successful person and someone who achieves the most in their career is a slight difference in thinking. As Gen Z students, it's important to push aside the noise and understand that for you, the distinction between success and failure is your perception and informed thinking”. He further encouraged students to develop their connections and focus their time and energy on mastering the basics, such as crafting a strong resume, writing professional emails, and honing high-value skills in their chosen field.  “Your voice is your power, and I know all of you have the power to change your world and to be the light rising in the West. While some individuals are naturally gifted or achieve first-class honors, others excel by persevering, taking feedback, and persisting through challenges,” said Mr. Assiu.

 As industry demands evolve, soft skills have emerged as a crucial component of professional readiness. WOW, with the backing of RBL, recognizes this paradigm shift and places a strong emphasis on cultivating soft skills alongside academic knowledge. Through workshops, mentorship, and practical experiences, participating students not only gain a deeper understanding of their chosen fields but also refine their abilities to communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and adapt to unforeseen challenges.

 To learn more about WOW, please visit https://sta.uwi.edu/dssd/world-work-programme

 END

 

Mr Ryan Assiu, Director of Advisors Next Door Limited, Sustainability and Change Expert delivers his feature address at The UWI/RBL World of Work Seminar and Launch

 

 

[L-R] Mr Ryan Assiu, Director of Advisors Next Door Limited, Sustainability and Change Expert and feature speaker at The UWI/RBL World of Work Seminar and Launch 2023 accepts a token of appreciation from Dr Deirdre Charles Director, Division of Student Services and Development 

 

[L-R] Ms Michelle Dindial, Manager at The UWI Branch of Republic Bank Limited presents a prize to a student at The UWI/RBL World of Work Seminar and Launch. 

 

Attendees listen attentively to presentations at The UWI/RBL World of Work Seminar and Launch. 

 About The University of the West Indies 

 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 for the past 75 years.

 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 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.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading 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.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University. 

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu

Contact