UTT EMPOWERS THE LOCAL PRINTING, PLASTICS AND PACKAGING SECTOR

Thirty-two (32) middle and senior-level managers as well as operations and maintenance personnel in the printing, plastics and packaging sector gained industry-relevant certification and participated in a Graduation ceremony having successfully completed a series of tailored programmes offered through The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) in collaboration with Application Européenne de Technologies et de Services (AETS), a French training firm. 

This training programme offered at UTT's Chaguanas Campus, was made possible through a grant funded by the African, Caribbean and Pacific region and European Union (ACP-EU) ‘Overcoming Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Programme'. This programme focuses on increasing market access and places emphasis on entry requirements to the European market. In an era of evolving technology and techniques, there is an increasing need for training and certification of employees within the printing and plastics industry.

Over the past five (5) months, participants were immersed in both theoretical and hands-on training in areas such as:

• Operation and Maintenance of Printing, Plastics and Packaging Machinery for International Standards
• Printing, Plastics and Packaging including new and innovative packaging 

In his valedictory speech, Mr. Velannous Garnet Williams of Rotoplastics Trinidad Limited stated that “It was a one-of-a kind experience for me, since I was given the opportunity to participate in both courses. This allowed me not only to gain a better understanding of my particular area of expertise, but I also gained an appreciation for my individual input to the overall value chain.” 

UTT will continue to collaborate with the Printing and Packaging Industry Council (PPIC), the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association (TTMA), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and other industry stakeholders to provide capacity building to the local printing, plastics and packaging sector through the provision of training initiatives, designed to equip employees with the skills and requirements to access international markets. 

For further information, please contact the UTT's International Office and Grant Funding Unit at 
642-8888 Ext#21231.