“TheTobago Technology Centre will be the starting point on your many paths to immense success.” This was the promise of Mr. David Lee, Chairman the Board of Directors of the Metal Industries Company Limited (MIC), in his address at the formal opening ceremony for the new centre that will be the hub for technical vocational education and training in Tobago.
The Tobago Technology Centre was formally opened on Friday 20th May 2011 in the esteemed presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and her Cabinet colleagues. The HonourableFazalKarim, Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, in his address said that “...the Tobago Technology Centre – the largest facility of its kind for training and development – in areas of computing, entrepreneurship, and a myriad of vocational skills - ...will provide opportunities for career enhancement.
“...At this modern facility MIC will now deliver training, both at the pre-craft and higher craft levels, to an under-served population. As a result, the long-term socio-economic impact – in terms of employment levels, education, entrepreneurship and skills mobility must be recognized and appreciated by both the People’s Partnership Government and the members of the public. We are therefore placing the future of Tobago in the hands of those who will benefit most from its development – Tobagonians.”
In order to ensure that the Tobago Technology Centre would be fully operational by September 2011, the centre which was previously carded for completion in November 2011 at a projected period of 11 months was accelerated, mandating the completion of phases 2 and 3 of works, to be achieved within a four month period. The areal capacity of the building is 46,000 sq. ft. and the project has been completed at a cost that is below construction industry rate.
Approximately 300 trainees and staff will be accommodated at the facility on a full-time basis with an additional 200 trainees being accommodated part-time. Trainees will have access to libraries, laboratories, classrooms and a multi-purpose hall and cafeteria facility.
Future cohorts at the centre can enjoy access to training via numerous programmes that will be offered at the centre in a number of areas that would be vital to the development of industries in Tobago. The establishment of this facility will now allow YTEPP to deliver training programmes on a full-time basis. The Honourable Prime Minister in her address congratulated both the MIC and YTEPP for their collaboration that clearly demonstrates their commitment to the expansion of skills training in Tobago.
Some of the programmes intended for delivery at the centre include:
- Level III Journeyman in:
- Automotive
- Auto body Works/Boat Repairs
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Welding
- Industrial Maintenance
- Facility Management
- SENSE Welding
- Level II NEC Craft Programmes in:
- Electrical Installation (Domestic and industrial)
- Plumbing
- Tailoring
- Dressmaking and Design
- General Draughting
- Level I HYPE Construction Programmes in:
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Welding
- Music
- Blue Print Reading
- Landscaping
- Computer Science
- YTEPP
- Beauty Culture
- Culinary Arts
- Patient Care
- Garment Construction