CAPTION: Professor Rean Maharaj, Vice President, Research, Academic and Student Affairs (Ag.), UTT (right) and Mr David Welch, Managing Director, CARIB Brewery TT (left) with Ms Sarah Arneaud, Head, Human Resources, CARIB Brewery TT (second from right) and interns from UTT.

In a shared commitment to workforce development and industry innovation, CARIB Brewery Trinidad and Tobago and The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) have successfully completed a five-week engineering internship programme designed to equip students with practical, industry-relevant experience.

From June 23 to July 25, 2025, CARIB Brewery hosted ten (10) final-year students enrolled in UTT’s National Engineering Technician Diploma (NETD) in Mechanical Engineering and one (1) student enrolled in the NETD in Chemical Engineering. All eleven students were assigned to key areas across the brewery’s operations, including Brewing, Packaging, Utilities, and Engineering, where they applied theoretical knowledge to real-time industrial challenges.

“At CARIB, we’re proud to play a role in shaping the next generation of engineers,” said David Welch, Managing Director, CARIB Brewery TT. “This internship is part of our broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, innovation, and long-term talent development.”

The internship is a core requirement of UTT’s CO-OP programme, giving students the opportunity to work in team-based, safety-conscious environments and observing
engineering projects, led by experienced professionals, whilst simultaneously learning to refine soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving.

“This collaboration with CARIB Brewery is an excellent example of how industry and academia can work together to prepare students for meaningful careers,” said
Professor Rean Maharaj, Vice President, Research, Academic and Student Affairs (Ag), UTT. “We’re grateful for CARIB’s support and excited about what lies ahead.”

Students expressed high satisfaction with their internship experience, citing exposure to real?world operations, the chance to learn from professionals and subject matter experts, and the confidence gained in translating theory into practice.

Looking Ahead: Solidifying the Partnership
As the collaboration evolves, CARIB Brewery and UTT will soon formalise their relationship with the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This
agreement will lay the foundation for future initiatives, including expanded internship opportunities, collaborative research, and knowledge-sharing between both institutions.

Key benefits of this MOU will include: a strengthened partnership between UTT and CARIB Brewery in support of engineering education; the opportunity to create a pipeline of skilled, work-ready engineering talent; and the ability to contribute to national workforce development and industry innovation that reinforces the Brewery’s position as a leader, not only in beverage manufacturing, but also in nurturing the future of Trinidad and Tobago’s industrial talent.