Artist's Impression of new UTT Main Campus at Tamana InTech Park

Introduction
The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), a dynamic and student-oriented learning institution, was established with a mandate to educate and train nationals who would be instrumental in realizing the Vision 20/20 Action Plan of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.  Initially, the University focused on Science and Technology which were identified at the time of its formation in 2004, as the key training area requirements. Since then, however, UTT has introduced a full spectrum of programme offerings in several areas linked to the current National Strategic Plan which provide alternative avenues for individuals to enter, exit and re-enter tertiary education.

UTT also seeks to fulfill other industry prerequisites.  The University’s goal of providing education with a global vision is based on the objective of becoming a recognized centre of excellence– a research university that integrates inputs from government, industry and community in developing programmes that are consistent with the changing requirements of a competitive global market and changing world economy. 

Rather than being discipline-based, UTT’s academic and research programmes are industry and sector-focused. As such, programmes in science and technology are clustered around sectors which, in a globalized environment, serve as growth centres for emerging economies.

Focus on Programmes:
The School of Science, Engineering and Technology has several programmes which are targeted to meet industry criteria.  The offerings at different levels include:

Over three thousand (3,000) students are registered in these programmes for the 2008/9 academic year.

Through its Centre for Engineering Systems, the University seeks to ensure that segments of economic significance– drivers in Energy Systems and Petroleum, as well as, Process and Utilities Engineering– are well serviced. Several new programmes have also been introduced in sectors which are expanding, e.g. Project Management and Civil Infrastructure Systems.

For many years, local students wishing to pursue studies in the maritime industry faced a bleak academic future. The exorbitant costs associated with overseas study and displacement from family and friends were impediments to exploring this option abroad. Recognizing this void, UTT has introduced the Diploma in Maritime Operations. This discipline prepares students for a career as shipboard officers in either the Navigation or Engineering disciplines while introducing them to the wider maritime industry. A mixture of theory, simulator-room teaching and mandatory sea training adds to the student’s holistic development. The year 2008 saw the first cohort of students graduating with the Diploma in Maritime Operations.

The Centre for Production Systems allows students to pursue Entrepreneurship and Commercial Studies, as well as study Design and Manufacturing Systems at the University.  Programmes in Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Production Technologies, with a focus on technology and entrepreneurship, are also being developed within this Centre. 

UTT aspires to provide leadership in dealing with national challenges in the food and agricultural sector.  At present, it is pioneering research in the field of food production.  The University’s aim is to inspire a new generation of food and agricultural entrepreneurs and biotechnologists who can undertake and sustain the development of food and agricultural sectors leading to wealth creation, food security and food safety.

Building on the findings of Dr. Steve Bennett, UTT researchers are investigating methods of improving the reproductive performance of the buffalypso, an excellent source of beef and milk. “Artificial Insemination (AI)” and “Embryo Transfer (ET) For the Cattle Industry”, two exploratory courses offered by UTT have provided training in reproductive management techniques to participants from Antigua, Grenada, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Twenty-four (24) students participated in the Embryo Transfer (ET) course while twenty-five (25) students were enrolled in the Artificial Insemination (AI) programme. All candidates received a Certificate of Completion at the culmination of the programmes.

The University is also forging efforts to combat shortages in food production. UTT, along with the Estate Management and Business Development Corporation (EMBD) and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), is spearheading the development of a strategic plan aimed at achieving twenty-five percent (25%) import reduction in rice. Global shortages in food production dictate that a proactive approach be taken; therefore, consultation with stakeholders and proper planning for the rice industry is paramount.

Not wishing to neglect any aspect of national development, UTT has also focused on entrepreneurship and innovation which are considered key components to globally competitive businesses. Innovation fosters new ideas, technologies, products and processes that lead to new businesses, better jobs, higher wages and improved standards of living.

The MSc programme in Industrial Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management (IIEM), prepares individuals to step into demanding roles with fresh business perspectives. The highly successful twelve month, full-time IIEM programme is based on a similar Masters offering from the Institute for Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Candidates are equipped with the necessary technical and management skills, personal development and industrial experience to be immediately effective in today’s industry or for starting their own businesses. 

Project work, in collaborating companies, accounts for 40% of the academic year and forms the backbone of the IIEM programme. The course culminates with a Business Plan Competition, the objective of which is to obtain financing for the start-up of an authentic and globally competitive business originating from Trinidad and Tobago. Having developed the skills of idea generation, planning, and funding, students are allowed the opportunity to generate real business proposals and put them forward to the business community. Sources of funding are identified for the most successful and viable proposals.

Through the Centre for Information and Communication Technology, UTT is aiding the development of competencies in a field that is now a prerequisite for learning, research, commerce, industry and development. The Undergraduate programme in ICT is designed to equip students with a rich and comprehensive set of skills which will allow them to function effectively. The Master of Science (MSc) Degree in ICT is a research-based degree with a number of credited courses.

ICT programmes have a strong engineering foundation and produces graduates with competency in computer hardware and software systems; modern digital wireline and wireless communications; networking topologies; software engineering, and information systems. In addition to the core ICT based programmes being offered at UTT, the niche market in animation is now being serviced with the introduction of the Diploma in Animation.

Additionally, through the Centre for Environmental Studies and Applied Life Sciences, programmes in Marine Sciences, Environmental Studies and Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, will explore and emphasize the quality of life and its sustainability.

These programmes produce graduates who can improve workplace productivity and spearhead the adoption of new systems, processes and technology that will further enhance local competitiveness. The graduates are well equipped and can be absorbed into strategic companies/industries represented in Trinidad and Tobago. Through tertiary level qualification, candidates have the flexibility to determine at which juncture they wish to transition into or out of industry based on their individual needs or workplace requirements.

Research Imperatives
The most critical component of the University’s development is its research agenda. UTT recognizes the importance of multidisciplinary research and, since its inception, has initiated a number of programmes in its quest towards becoming the centre for value added research and development of the entire Caribbean region.  There were over two-hundred (200) registrations on these programmes for the 2008/9 academic year.

 Through the University’s School of Postgraduate Studies, UTT continues to demonstrate its commitment to research. Such research is expected to take place at several levels: from projects integrated into academic programmes, to special requests initiated by industry, to pure research.  Students pursuing the various levels of qualification can interface more effectively on research and development activities, thereby entrenching a research culture at the University.

Tamana InTech Park
Construction of the new UTT Main Campus at Tamana InTech Park began in June 2008. The campus is expected to be completed by late 2010, for commencement of academic activity in September 2011. This campus is expected to be the premier campus for tertiary education, facilitating both academic and research initiatives. Tamana InTech Park will represent a model for future infrastructural development. The environment for students will not only be conducive to study but will serve to empower a generation of scholars as they continue the mantle of learning towards the attainment of education with a global vision.

Business Trinidad and Tobago 2009-2010 pg. 32