Formal agricultural education is critical to developing skilled practitioners who can ensure long-term food security and sustainable agricultural productivity. In Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean, agriculture development agencies and industry stakeholders have identified a growing need for trained agricultural practitioners and agro-processors with practical, technology-based skills. UTT's ECIAF campus, with over 60 years of experience in agricultural training, is well-positioned to address this need. Developing countries such as Trinidad and Tobago face increasing food demand due to population growth while simultaneously experiencing declining natural resources for food production. This reality requires a new generation of agricultural professionals who can apply innovative technologies to improve productivity, reduce food waste, and protect natural resources. Despite the importance of agriculture, agricultural education is becoming a less attractive career choice as many young people pursue other professions for economic security and social status. In Trinidad and Tobago, access to free post-secondary education has further reduced interest in agriculturerelated careers. Additionally, entry requirements for tertiary agricultural programmes, including passes in five CSEC subjects with Mathematics and English, exclude many interested individuals who lack these qualifications. To address these challenges, alternative pathways into formal agricultural education are necessary. Expanding access would provide opportunities for youth, low-skilled workers, and other interested persons to receive formal training in agriculture and agro-processing. The Certificate in Agriculture and Agro-processing Technologies aims to bridge the gap between TVET and tertiary education, support workforce development, and strengthen the nation's future food security.
Programme Credits: 36
Accreditation Institution: NA
Available Full Time:Yes
Available Part Time:No
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Passes in at least three (3) CSEC (CXC O’Level) General Proficiency (Grades I or II and from 1998, Grade III) subjects. Agricultural Science, double award is considered as two (2) subjects.
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Persons who do not meet the admission requirements above may be admitted through review of qualifications/experiences which may be considered suitable for entry into the programme such as certificates from Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture (YAPA).
Mature Student Entry:
An applicant who does not satisfy all the stipulated minimum academic or technical qualifications for admission to the programme based on years of experience and the ability to handle the level of programme learning may be accepted as a Mature Student. He/she would need to possess the critical elements of the stipulated qualification and would be assessed by the UTT Programme Leader as possessing a combination of qualifications and educational or experiential maturity to enable him/her to successfully participate in the programme.
