MIC-IT and Matura Reunited FC Forge Strategic Partnership
MIC-IT and Matura Reunited FC Forge Strategic Partnership
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) and Matura Reunited FC have inked a historic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at fostering educational and athletic development in the Eastern Counties region of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). The MOA, which was signed on Monday, 4 March 2024 at MIC-IT’s Head Office in Macoya, is expected to have a far-reaching impact, fostering talent development and promoting socio-economic growth.
Now rebranded as MIC Matura Reunited FC, this collaboration will revolutionise opportunities for aspiring young individuals by offering a dual platform for technical vocational training and elite football competition. Under the terms of the MOA, MIC-IT will provide educational support, in the form of technical vocational training, while Matura Reunited FC will facilitate a pathway for young athletes to compete at the highest levels of football in T&T.
CEO, MIC-IT, Anil Ramnarine, expressed his enthusiasm stating, “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to empowering the youth of Trinidad and Tobago by offering them a holistic approach to education and sports”. Similarly, President of Matura Reunited FC, Dwain Henry, hailed the partnership as a significant step towards community development. “We are thrilled to combine our community and talent with MIC-IT to create greater opportunities for the youth in our region to excel both academically and athletically”.
MIC-IT Launches Alumni Association
MIC-IT Launches Alumni Association
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) Alumni Association was launched at MIC-IT’s Head Office, Macoya on February 21, 2024. Delivering the Feature Address was Jonathan Lee, former MIC-IT Journeyman Trainee, now Executive Chairman of CIVON Multi-Services Limited and Interim MIC-IT Alumni President. Lee shared his journey, highlighting how, as a teenager, he faced rejection from multiple Secondary schools, which could have easily led him astray towards a life of crime and recklessness. However, fate intervened, and he found his way to MIC-IT. “That one opportunity that I received from MIC-IT and my on-the-job training changed my life”. Lee announced that the Alumni has ambitious plans including re-establishing relationships and engaging past trainees like himself, collaborating closely with MIC-IT to expand its training into the Caribbean to bridge skills and employment gaps, and inspire and encourage the current student body.
Pledging his support, MIC-IT CEO, Anil Ramnarine assured that the Association will receive the full backing of MIC-IT. “With over 25,000 graduates from our TVET programmes, we are proud to support this much-anticipated initiative”. He continued, “This launch will be mutually beneficial for both MIC-IT and the Alumni, as many of our graduates are eager to express their gratitude and loyalty by giving back”. He also thanked MIC-IT Assistant GM – Training Division, Candice Austin; MIC-IT Alumni Association Liaison Steffan Lai Leung and Instructor (Sports and Mentorship Unit), Mona David for covering the groundwork in the initial stages and representing MIC-IT in the formation of this vibrant ecosystem of the Alumni network.
Also speaking at the launch was MIC-IT GM (Ag), Training Division, Nathan Langaigne, who revealed that as a past Engineer-in-Training student at MIC-IT, he is pleased to witness the creation of this Alumni. He highlighted the numerous benefits of becoming a member such as Networking, Career Resources and Job Opportunities, Volunteering and Mentorship Opportunities, Alumni Discounts and Perks, Financial Support Opportunities and even Scholarships.
From a current student perspective, Student Guild PRO, Naomi Hoyte, from MIC-IT’s Diego Martin Technology Centre, expressed her excitement at the Alumni launch. She lamented that too many classmates lose touch after graduation, and the Guild gladly supports this initiative to keep graduates united and share in their successes.
The event was closed by Joshua Hercules, former HYPE MIC-IT trainee and founder of the NGO “Reach Them Before We Lose Them” and now Interim Alumni PRO, who expressed his immense gratitude to the MIC-IT Board of Directors and Executive Management for their support. MIC-IT is proud of this historic moment as the institution celebrates its 50th anniversary in December and stays committed to further institutional development by fostering collaboration between the Institute and its graduate population. Those interested in joining the MIC-IT Alumni can email alumni@mic.co.tt.
Two MIC-IT Trainees Win President’s Medals
Two MIC-IT Trainees Win President’s Medals
MIC-IT is proud to announce that two of its Industrial Craft Programme (ICP) trainees Lisa Allen-Agostini and Sarah Khan were the recipients of President’s Medals at the Presentation Ceremony held on January 24, 2024, at President’s House. Both excelled in their National Examination Council (NEC) assessments for their respective ICP courses. Congratulating the winners, Anil Ramnarine, MIC-IT CEO, said, “Our trainees showed an exemplary level of dedication and it is evident that they aimed for excellence in their studies”. According to their Instructors, their success is a result of hard work coupled with the support and guidance from MIC-IT staff.
Lisa Allen-Agostini, who completed the Dress Making & Design Craft course in 2023 at the Diego Martin Technology Centre, continues as a full-time MIC-IT student in Tailoring. Agostini said she learnt about MIC-IT’s Dress Making & Design Craft course from its social media platform and immediately signed up. “The best thing about being a part of the learning community at MIC-IT is the sense of family I have with my classmates and instructor. I have never felt so supported as an atypical learner and the instructor’s teaching style encouraged participative learning, which was very effective for me. Her advice for interested trainees, “MIC-IT teachers will help and other students will help. People still look down on trades and trade school, and that’s silly. Many people will die without ever once hiring a lawyer, but I guarantee that everybody wears clothes and uses plumbing and electricity. Our work matters and has honour, so let’s treat learning like the gift it is”.
The second winner, former ICP trainee, Sarah Khan, completed the Food Preparation & Culinary Arts course in 2021 at MIC-IT’s Pleasantville Technology Centre. She registered for the ICP based on the recommendation of a friend and particularly liked the practical aspect. Khan was also pleased to discover that her solid foundation at MIC-IT enabled her to transition to other Institutions smoothly and ultimately paved the way for her to secure a position as a Chef. Her valuable advice for youths is, “Stay consistent and continue being interested in what you are pursuing”.
The Board of Directors, Management and Staff extend congratulations to these two top Tech-Voc trainees, who will definitely serve as catalysts for high-level performers and performances from the MIC-IT student body. This is yet another example of technical vocational education and training (TVET) securing its place in the educational landscape in Trinidad and Tobago.
MIC-IT Renovates Welfare Building at The St. Mary’s Children’s Home
MIC-IT Renovates Welfare Building at The St. Mary’s Children’s Home
The Welfare Building at St. Mary’s Children’s Home (SMCH) recently underwent a remarkable transformation, thanks to the skilled team at the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT). The Welfare building has been renovated to provide a safer and more comfortable space for the children. Located in Tacarigua, it was officially reopened on Wednesday, 17 January 2024.
The ceremony was brief yet impactful. Father Anderson Maxwell, Chairman, SMCH commended MIC-IT for its significant contribution to the refurbishment initiative.
MIC-IT’s Assistant General Manager, Candice Austin, highlighted the dual benefits achieved through this collaboration, “Not only did it result in facility upgrades for the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, but it also provided on-site training for the HYPE & MuST Laventille Trainees. The trainees took great pride in their hands-on learning experience, knowing that their work positively impacted all stakeholders at the home”.
The MIC-IT team showcased their commitment to excellence by renovating the Hardwood flooring, Electrical, Plumbing, Gypsum, and Painting, all within a mere five months. Special recognition was given to the team for their professionalism throughout the project, with a special mention to Micree Murphy, Coordinator, HYPE Programme, MIC-IT Laventille, for his astute leadership and project management skills.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Father Maxwell and AGMT Candice Austin, the building was blessed by Reverend Hoyte, the in-house Chaplain for the home.
This is just one of many accomplishments from the MOU signed on 26 September 26, 2022, between MIC-IT & SMCH. The MoU is aimed at establishing a partnership to facilitate training and certification for participants of both institutions utilising a work-to-learn mode.
MIC-IT continues to collaborate with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, with Trainees from the St. Bede Technology Centre’s Woodworking Apprenticeship Programme [WoodAP]. The Trainees are currently working on constructing cupboards for the Home’s Boy’s Dormitory with guidance and support from their Instructors Kevin Bertrand and Oronde Timothy who are overseeing this project, ensuring its successful completion.
MIC-IT is proud to make a positive difference in communities and hopes its efforts will make a significant impact on the children’s well-being and quality of life.
MIC-IT welcomes youths to step up with STEEP
MIC-IT welcomes youths to step up with STEEP
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) welcomed 90 young men and women at the Student Enhancement Empowerment Programme (STEEP) launch at its MIC-IT’s Head Office Auditorium on Monday, 15 January 2024. This initiative is now a Ministry-mandated continuation of MIC-IT’s pilot CSR initiative accomplished in July 2023. Devised by MIC-IT’s Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby, STEEP aims to equip Secondary School graduates with valuable TVET/Technical skills, empowering them to confidently navigate their career choices with informed decisions.
Marking the beginning of an exciting journey MIC-IT’s CEO, Anil Ramnarine, warmly welcomed the first batch of STEEP Trainees to the MIC-IT family, who would be trained in the first instance at the Belmont, Maraval and Diego Martin (South) Community Centres. Also speaking at the launch, MIC-IT’s Chairman, Professor Imbert, revealed that the programme’s objective is to train 500 youths in Trinidad and Tobago. He emphasised four core elements of the 6-week programme, namely Life Skills, Introduction to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Music and Spanish and he thanked the Ministry of Education for investing in and recognising the tangible benefits of the STEEP.
Motivational Speaker, Joshua Hercules, encouraged the students to embrace this golden opportunity as “MIC-IT will ignite a flame in you, in the hopes that you will pass on that light to others. Go out there and make a difference against all odds. Society needs you”. Drawing from their own experiences, STEEP Ambassadors, Melia Maughn and Joshua Marslier, described the experience as transformative and a phenomenal opportunity for youths. STEEP Coordinators, Natica Gibbs and Attilah Mc Knight reassured the parents that the programme will provide essential knowledge to assist the participants in making proper choices and selecting suitable career paths.
Mastermind behind the STEEP, Keith Toby, was humbled by the outpouring of support and selflessly thanked everyone who contributed to the success of this endeavour, including the dedicated STEEP Team and Ambassadors.
About this six-week programme
STEEP will cover a wide range of modules including Business Etiquette/ Deportment; Confidence Building; Conversational Spanish; Emotional Intelligence; Financial Management; Interviewing Skills; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Introduction to TVET /Technical skills; Life Skills; Classes; Microsoft Office/Computer Literacy; Music; Resume Writing and much more. Participants will receive an MIC-IT STEEP Certificate and a stipend of 1500 TTD. Meals and Uniforms will be provided.
NABCEP welcomes MIC-IT as a Photovoltaic Associate Exam Provider
NABCEP welcomes MIC-IT as a Photovoltaic Associate Exam Provider
MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) is proud to announce its membership with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) as a registered and approved Photovoltaic Associate Exam Provider. As a result, MIC-IT is now listed in the NABCEP Course Catalogue and allows the Institution to qualify candidates to take the NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate Exam through a computer-based testing vendor.
This latest initiative offers MIC-IT’s Renewable Energy students increased credibility and provides them with a competitive advantage and greater career mobility in the industry. NABCEP Board Certifications are earned by demonstrating training, experience, and passing a rigorous exam and will positively impact a student’s career by giving them increased marketability, validation of knowledge, enhanced reputation, credibility and consumer confidence.
According to MIC-IT’s CEO, Anil Ramnarine, “It is our hope that this certification will advance uniform professional standards by holding trained persons to a Code of Ethics and Standard of Conduct in T&T. MIC-IT is well on its way to creating a path for this recognised renewable energy shift with its Short Courses Unit and recently launched Centre for Renewable Energy and Associated Technologies in Pointe-à-Pierre”.
NABCEP proudly supports, and works with, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, professionals, and stakeholders to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programmes for practitioners and thanks the MIC-IT for making the commitment to provide quality instruction in renewable energy.
ABOUT NABCEP: NABCEP is a US recognized credentialing body, incorporated in 2002. In consultation with renewable energy subject matter experts, NABCEP has produced 11 competitive examinations that test to U.S. best practices and standards. The credentials inform employers, consumers and the public that there are right and wrong ways to sell, design, install, inspect and maintain renewable energy systems. The NABCEP badge is an indication that an individual is trained to perform using the highest standards available.
MIC-IT’s BizStart Entrepreneurship Day: Building Business Communities
MIC-IT’s BizStart Entrepreneurship Day: Building Business Communities
On Friday, 13 October 2023 the MIC-IT’s Entrepreneurship Unit hosted an Entrepreneurship BiZ Day for aspiring entrepreneurs of its BizStart Programme to engage with real small business entrepreneurs, gain business tips and pertinent information from consultants and business advisors. The theme for the event was “Building Business Communities”.
Delivering key remarks, The Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service shared real-life business examples based on his personal experiences. He also interacted with the trainees, offering advice and guidelines on the supporting grants available to them from the various Ministries.
For business development and expansion, it is important to build communities by networking and collaborating with entrepreneurs of similar businesses who have successfully chartered the entrepreneurial journey. MIC-IT Staff and trainees were invited to support exhibition booths hosted by real business owners.
Booth exhibitors were given the opportunity to showcase their products, distribute samples, and conduct sales. The booths comprised 17 entities within various business sectors including Financial Institutions, Contractors, Clothing, Beauticians, Farmers and Food & Beverage.
The day-long programme opened with a panel discussion with TTMA and The Chamber of Commerce on various service offerings to assist entrepreneurs in establishing businesses. Three information sessions were held to motivate, educate and inspire the young entrepreneurs. These were focused on:
• Cultivating Growth Mindset and Human Centre Design – Aiming for Customer Excellence
• Good Packaging Practices
• The Importance of Social Media Marketing
“Building Business Communities” can only be accomplished through networking and building connections. The MIC-IT BizStart trainees benefited from first-hand business knowledge and tips from impactful connections that will take them through their entrepreneurial journey; build reputation, increase visibility and create strong support networks.
MIC-IT & CFTDI sign MoU to initiate Yachting Marine Apprenticeship Programme (YMAP)
MIC-IT & CFTDI sign MoU to initiate Yachting Marine Apprenticeship Programme (YMAP)
The Yachting Industry will soon see an increase in skilled technical labour as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 4, 2023, between the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) and the Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute (CFTDI) for the establishment of a Yachting Marine Apprenticeship Programme (YMAP). This strategic partnership was born out of the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s vision to promote sustainable economic growth in the Yachting Industry with the requisite technical skills and education needed for productive employment.
At the signing at CFTDI’s Training facility in Chaguaramas, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry (MTI) commended the agencies for designing a programme to meet the needs of the Marine Industry within the technical maintenance field of Marine Maintenance. “This cabinet-approved programme represents another milestone in the Government’s agenda to build human resources in targeted sectors of economic activity. We have identified yachting as a priority area for the development, expansion and diversification of the non-energy sector. This is due to its potential for foreign exchange generation and employment creation as well as T&T’s strategic geographical location, which provides a safe haven for yacht owners during hurricane season. This country is also renowned for the provision of world-class yacht repair and maintenance services”.
According to MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Emeritus Clément Imbert ORTT, “This programme was done in consultation with the relevant marine stakeholders to reflect the needs of the Marine Industry”.
Also bringing remarks was Nerissa Lucky, CFTDI’s Chairman. “CFTDI is proud to partner with MIC-IT and under this MoU will specifically provide training facilities, assist with administration, provide technical advice, conduct research, identify skills gaps and assist with the provision of primary and secondary trainers for the conduct of the YMAP”.
The Programme will comprise ten (10) specialisations based on the skill competencies this Sector requires in Trinidad and Tobago. These include: Marine Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration; Marine Electrical and Electronics; Woodworking for the Marine Industry; Marine Welding and Fabrication; Marine Machinist; Marine Mechanic; Marine Plumbing; Sail Repair; Renewable Energy Systems for the Boating Industry and Marine Cleaning, Painting, and Repairs.
This programme carries a monthly stipend of 1500 TTD and is ideal for persons pursuing employment in the Marine Maintenance and Services Industry, where the focus is on the maintenance and repairing of boats within the Yachting Sector.
MIC-IT graduates 19 STEEP Interns in Tobago
MIC-IT graduates 19 STEEP Interns in Tobago
“Level up…all the way up! Develop resiliency and a lion-like mentality!”, this from Leandra Des Vignes, motivational speaker and Guidance and Counselling Officer at the MIC-IT’s Student Enhancement Empowerment Programme (STEEP) graduation held at the MIC-IT’s Tobago Technology Centre on September 13, 2023. Here, 19 young men and women were celebrated as they successfully completed four weeks of learning life skills, technical vocational skills, and character building during the July/August vacation.
MIC-IT Management and STEEP Directors applauded the Interns for staying the course and finishing what they started. MIC-IT CEO, Anil Ramnarine, congratulated and encouraged the young graduates to, “Follow your passion and you will find your purpose.” He also expressed immense gratitude to STEEP creator, MIC-IT Deputy Chairman, Mr. Keith Toby and STEEP Directors and staff of the Tobago Technology Centre, especially the Manager, Jean Nichols and Coordinator, Adanna Piggott as well as all the Instructors and Support staff.
Delivering their perspectives and gratitude, on behalf of the STEEP interns, were Aliyah Martin and Kiy Paul. Master Paul thanked the inspirational Tobago facilitators for helping them to forge new friendships and having candid conversations on becoming an adult. “Each day was a new adventure with new experiences and opportunities!”. Miss Martin spoke of her favourite classes on national pride and financial literacy. The interns were also treated to field trips to the Nylon Pool, Buccoo Reef and MIC-IT’s Tobago Workshops. They also had an unforgettable experience of pulling seine at Turtle Beach, Courland.
Youths Complete Vocational Joinery Summer Camp at MIC-IT
Youths Complete Vocational Joinery Summer Camp at MIC-IT
On Wednesday, 23 August 2023, at MIC-IT’s Headquarters, 20 Industrial Technology Form 3 students of the Tunapuna Secondary School were praised and honoured at their graduation ceremony. The group completed a five-week Woodworking course at MIC-IT’s St. Bede Technology Centre with flying colours.
This youth development programme was initiated by Tunapuna Secondary School’s teacher, Godfrey Pierre. After completing the Technical Vocational Instructor Teacher Training Diploma in 2021 Pierre became an advocate for MIC-IT. He approached MIC-IT’s Academy for Vocational Education & Training (AVET) Unit in July to evaluate and provide his students with hands-on experience and training to enhance their capabilities and capacity to effectively demonstrate the construction of the various joints used in woodworking. The course prepared each participant to join a Community of Learning at the MIC-IT woodworking workshops after graduating from Secondary School. All enrolled students successfully earned their certificates of participation by effectively constructing 7 basic wooden joints and a photo frame along with a carving of their initials on their own.
At the ceremony, Pierre revealed that the idea was planted by one of his students, Kirlicia Jack. He commended all students on this accomplishment and urged them to remain passionate and committed to their skills. “Do your best, keep at it and make yourself and your parents proud, when you have a skill, it follows you wherever you go”.
MIC-IT’s Assistant General Manager, Candice Austin applauded the students and encouraged them to return to MIC-IT to further their studies. “Plant your seeds for success, take these tools of life you learnt at this camp and discover your purpose with the MIC-IT family”.
Sharing their perspectives and appreciation, students Jayden Carrington, Kirlicia Jack, Xiomara Harris and Valedictorian, Jolon Williams, thanked MIC-IT and their dedicated and supportive teacher, Mr. Pierre, for providing them with this synergetic opportunity and unforgettable experience. They expressed their desire to further pursue Joinery and praised the programme for its organisation and edification and recommended this initiative to become an annual camp for MIC-IT.
Closing the commencement, Carol Mitchell, Manager, AVET, who was instrumental in the creation of this camp, recognised all the parties that contributed to the camp’s success. “Thank you to Godfrey Pierre, the parents and the students for always being punctual and committed. Special thanks go to all the MIC-IT teams, Instructors, St Bede Centre, MIC-IT’s Chairman, Deputy Chairman and General Manager of MIC-IT Training Division for their immediate approval of this camp”.
ABOUT THE WOODWORKING SUMMER CAMP:
The modules were structured to allow participants to integrate each new topic with the succeeding topics as the training progressed. The practical training was conducted by Pierre along with MIC-IT’s Instructors at the home of MIC-IT’s renowned Woodworking programmes, St Bede Technology Centre. The topics covered included: The History of Woodworking, the use of Basic Woodworking tools, Safety Practices and Making basic Wooden joints and products: End Lap, Bridle, Half Lap, Stop Mortise, Tenon, Housing and Dowel joints.
MIC-IT graduates 26 STEEP Interns
MIC-IT graduates 26 STEEP Interns
“MIC-IT keeps youth engaged and wanting more!”, this from Joshua Hercules, guest motivational speaker at the Student Enhancement Empowerment Programme (STEEP) graduation held at the MIC-IT Head Office, Macoya, on August 18, 2023. Here, 26 young men and women were honoured with pomp and flair as they successfully completed six weeks of learning life skills, technical vocational skills, and character-building during the July/August vacation.
It was an emotional occasion, where bonds shared among STEEP facilitators, instructors and interns, fun memories and tokens of appreciation were celebrated. While MIC-IT Management and STEEP Directors commended the Interns for their productive time spent at MIC-IT, the interns also thanked MIC-IT for giving them the opportunity to be part of a life-changing programme.
Opening the ceremony was MIC-IT CEO, Anil Ramnarine, who dubbed the interns MIC-IT ambassadors and anticipates that they would be returning to MIC-IT to do more. Motivational Speaker, former MIC-IT Trainee and now President of the ‘Reach them before we lose them’ NGO, Joshua Hercules implored the Interns to go out there and make an impact with all that they learnt at MIC-IT. MIC-IT’s Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, thanked STEEP creator and MIC-IT Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby for his vision for this pilot programme. He also urged the interns, “Don’t cut ties with MIC-IT. Come back and learn a skill for life”.
Delivering the Feature Address was Dr. Peter Smith, Chief Education Officer, Ministry of Education, who congratulated MIC-IT for its unwavering commitment to youth development and corporate social responsibility. “MIC-IT’s commitment aligns seamlessly with our Vision 2030 objectives, which emphasize prioritising our populace and nurturing our most invaluable resource… you, our young people”.
Delivering their perspectives and gratitude, on behalf of the STEEP interns, were Joshua Marclier and Melia Maughn. Master Marclier said, “In just six weeks MIC-IT changed my life drastically. Coming to MIC-IT every day gave me a sense of hope for a brighter future and a sense of belonging. We were able to go on supervised field trips to Nylon Pool, Gasparee Island, Parliament and MIC-IT’S Renewable Energy Centre”.
Melia Maughn described the programme as extensively educational and entertaining. She thanked the STEEP facilitators for being positive role models who served to bring motivation and encouragement to their lives. “I did not expect this internship to be as meaningful as it was, but I am eternally grateful for being presented with this opportunity”.
STEEP Directors, Natica Gibbs and Attilah McKnight said, “MIC-IT today stands proud as we not only are fully aware of our accomplishments with these graduates, but by its very name we do believe that we have lived up to our mandate to enhance and empower those with whom we have been entrusted”. They also praised Mr Keith Toby for his immense guidance and support.
ABOUT STEEP:
This latest CSR initiative, devised by MIC-IT’s Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby and managed by the MIC-IT’s Human Resources Department, was designed to introduce TVET/Technical skills, empower youths and enable them to advance in the world of work and the external environment.
The 6-week, full-time programme was designed for Secondary School students from selected schools in the East-West corridor. Thirteen boys and 13 girls were interviewed and selected from St. Joseph Secondary School, Tunapuna Secondary School, St. Augustine Secondary School, El Dorado East Secondary School, St. James Secondary School, Hillview College, Holy Cross College and St. Augustine Girls High School.
Interns were carefully screened and chosen in an effort to produce well-rounded youths with the confidence and sense of accomplishment to prepare them for any future career in which they will embark.
Conducted at MIC-IT’s Head Office, this programme covered 16 modules including Life Skills; Business Etiquette/ Deportment Classes; Customer Service Training; Career Guidance Seminar; Resume Writing; Sports, Health and Wellness; Introduction to Music /Pan-Playing; Emotional Intelligence; Microsoft Office/Computer Literacy; Interviewing Skills; Introduction to TVET /Technical skills; Basic Spanish Conversation; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Conversations with Professionals; Self-Care Grooming and Girl Talk/ Boy Talk Conversations.
MIC-IT trainees focus on entrepreneurship
MIC-IT trainees focus on entrepreneurship
On August 2, 2023, MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) welcomed 53 young entrepreneurs selected from its satellite centres across Trinidad and Tobago, to the MIC-IT BizStart Programme. This programme aims to provide technical support, business knowledge and genuine, friendly, business advice to trainees to fulfil their entrepreneurial dream. Speaking at the Launch at MIC-IT’s Head Office in Macoya, Dr Brian James, GM, Training Division applauded all the trainees for taking this bold step towards realising their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs. “By being here, you have demonstrated a true entrepreneurial spirit—one that is fuelled by passion, creativity, and a solid determination to make a difference”.
He continued, “It is essential to recognise the immense impact that small businesses have on the global economy. They are the backbone of many nations, providing employment opportunities, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth. Small businesses are the engines that power the world’s economies, and you, my dear trainees, are the drivers of these engines. You represent the future of Trinidad and Tobago and how we develop as a nation”. Dr James also shared some inspirational stories of famous individuals who started with a skill or vocational trade and transformed it into thriving businesses. Special thanks also go out to the BizStart team led by Joanne Timothy and the Key speakers, Joshua Hercules and MIC-IT Board member, Clayton Blackman.
About BizStart
The MIC-IT BizStart Programme was officially launched on April 4, 2022. The Programme was established to produce young entrepreneurs from the MIC-IT student body i.e. MIC-IT’s training programmes – Helping You Prepare for Employment (HYPE) Programme, Multi-Sector Skills Training Programme (MuST), Industrial Craft Programme (ICP), National Skills Development Programme (NSDP), Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme (MAP), Wood Working Apprenticeship Programme. The BizStart programme is designed to inspire MIC-IT trainees to take the skills and knowledge acquired from their Technical Vocational Training to develop their enterprises and become their bosses.
The MIC-IT BizStart Programme also paves the way for advancement into the NEDCO Business Accelerator Programme; a 12-month programme that provides advanced entrepreneurial training such as business advisory, financing, commercialisation and networking. Subsequent to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MIC-IT and NEDCO in February 2022, MIC-IT has the opportunity to recommend their young entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the programme to the NEDCO BAP.
MIC-IT Joins SACA to Provide Students with Industry 4.0 Certifications
MIC-IT Joins SACA to Provide Students with Industry 4.0 Certifications
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) is proud to announce its membership with the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA). This latest development is geared to align its education and training to meet the realities of Industry 4.0. Students completing MIC-IT’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes will soon earn SACA Industry 4.0 certifications, giving them a competitive advantage in today’s job market. According to MIC-IT’s General Manager, Training Division, Dr Brian James, “SACA certification is developed for today’s technological industry and is internationally recognised ensuring that our SACA certified students are market ready for industry 4.0 jobs. Today’s students face a far different industrial landscape than existed a decade ago. While automation technologies have been commonplace for many years, the Internet has brought about a convergence of new “connected” technologies that are revolutionizing industries worldwide”.
Known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0, this latest disruption of the industrial world is resulting in reduced downtime and increased quality, productivity, and overall efficiency in industries of all kinds thanks to advanced technologies that make up what is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT technologies include such things as advanced robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and machines, cloud-based data analysis, and cybersecurity. As companies increase their use of networks and Internet technologies, they are connecting more devices, from smart sensors to smartphones. While there are many certifications available today that address isolated competencies, SACA certifications are different. SACA’s Industry 4.0 certifications certify “connected systems” skills that address the integration of the many types of advanced manufacturing technologies with Industry 4.0 technology.
Dr. James assured, that MIC-IT students who are armed with SACA certifications will be better prepared to be successful in an Industry 4.0 world. SACA certifications use standards developed with input from industry leaders, so students can feel confident their SACA certification endorses the knowledge and skills important to the industry. Students will have the option of pursuing Silver (successfully pass a written knowledge exam) or Gold (successfully pass a written knowledge exam and successfully complete a hands-on performance assessment on approved equipment) certifications depending upon their coursework and hands-on skill development.
Special Congratulations go out to MIC-IT’s Short Courses Unit of the Training Division, for increasing MIC-IT’s profile with this globally recognised certification. An active member of the SACA, MIC-IT has also been designated an Authorised Certification Assessment Centre where training will be conducted by SACA certified instructors. MIC-IT will soon offer the following SACA certified courses: Electrical Systems 1; Electrical Motor Control Systems 1; Electrical System; Installation 1; Programmable Controller Systems 1; Pneumatic Systems 1; Industry 4.0 Total Productive Maintenance; Hydraulic Systems 1 and Hydraulic Maintenance 1.
MIC-IT launches CSR project for youths
MIC-IT launches CSR project for youths
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) welcomed 26 young men and women at the launch of the Student Enhancement Empowerment Programme (STEEP) at its MIC-IT’s Head Office Auditorium on July 10, 2023. This latest CSR initiative, devised by MIC-IT’s Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby and managed by the MIC-IT’s Human Resources Department, is designed to introduce TVET/Technical skills, empower youths and enable them to advance in the world of work and the external environment.
The 5-week, full-time programme is designed for Secondary School students from selected schools in the East-West corridor. Thirteen boys and 13 girls were interviewed and selected from St. Joseph Secondary School, Tunapuna Secondary School, St. Augustine Secondary School, El Dorado East Secondary School, St. James Secondary School, Hillview College, Holy Cross College and St. Augustine Girls High School.
Speaking at the launch, MIC-IT CEO (Ag), Randy Monilal, assured that the programme will mould the students into educated, mature, and skilled young men and women. “This pilot is also unique in that they will also receive a stipend as well as MIC-IT certificates upon their successful completion.” Also welcoming the students were MIC-IT’s Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert who spoke about the benefits and importance and relevance of the courses to be completed.
MIC-IT Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby, who is also a Basic Spanish Conversation facilitator in the programme, guaranteed a fun but productive itinerary for the next few weeks. “Our interns have been carefully screened and chosen, and at the end of the programme we expect that they will not only be well-rounded but will possess a sense of accomplishment that will be valuable for any future career on which they will embark.” Encouraging the newly installed trainees, was L. Anthony Watkins, Motivational Speaker who likened MIC-IT to fertile soil, full of nutrients and light to help these young seeds grow. MIC-IT Director, Wendell Yearwood also roused the crowd and engaged all students with a fun icebreaker.
Conducted at MIC-IT’s Head Office, this programme will cover 16 modules including Life Skills; Business Etiquette/ Deportment Classes; Customer Service Training; Career Guidance Seminar; Resume Writing; Sports, Health and Wellness; Introduction to Music /Pan-Playing; Emotional Intelligence; Microsoft Office/Computer Literacy; Interviewing Skills; Introduction to TVET /Technical skills; Basic Spanish Conversation; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Conversations with Professionals; Self-Care Grooming and Girl Talk/ Boy Talk Conversations.
MIC-IT Launches Renewable Energy Centre
MIC-IT Launches Renewable Energy Centre
On June 27, 2023, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) launched T&T’s only dedicated Centre for Renewable Energy and Associated Technologies (CREATe). Formerly the MIC-IT’s Pointe-à-Pierre Technology Centre, this Centre has been repurposed for Renewable Energy (RE) training and applied research and will position MIC-IT as a supplier of ‘green-collar’ jobs that drives the transformation of the nation’s energy production and carbon footprint reduction under the Paris Agreement.
MIC-IT is expected to collaborate with The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and The University of the West Indies to carry out research and development projects in RE. The Centre, which is staffed by experienced Engineers, Master Craftsmen and Technicians (with both local and German training qualifications) will deliver relevant and real-world training. CREATe is therefore poised to establish apprenticeship training programmes between the private and public sectors to achieve sectoral and national objectives.
Opening the ceremony, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, said that while T&T has a high carbon footprint, per capita, MIC-IT is willing to play its part in its reduction. He also conveyed the support of the Ministries of Education, and Energy and Energy Industries and their Agencies.
Congratulating the MIC-IT for this newest investment in human capital, was President of National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, Dr. Vernon Paltoo. “This is a landmark initiative towards facilitating a systematic transition to renewables, clean technologies, and energy-efficient applications in our country. It will enable the adoption and use of renewable energy technologies, by creating a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this new era. This is key to achieving our 2030 climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement”. Dr. Paltoo also committed National Energy’s support by integrating students and graduates of CREATe as trainees on its active projects where possible, providing opportunities for practical experience in their respective fields of study.
Also speaking at the launch, MIC-IT’s General Manager, Training and Industry Services Divisions, Dr. Brian James, announced that CREATe was established to offer essential educational and professional development in renewable technologies. “CREATe will offer Certificate (Short Courses), Diploma and Advanced Diploma (Master Craftsman) Programmes in RE. It will therefore serve as a strategic tool to increase the nation’s energy output and decrease its carbon footprint by offering RE Training and related Services in core areas such as Solar, Wind, Bio-Mas, Geothermal and Hydrogen”.
Closing the ceremony, MIC-IT CEO, Anil Ramnarine, recognised all MIC-IT staff who helped to transform the Centre and thanked everyone who braved the very adverse weather to be part of the historic and auspicious launch.
Guests were conducted on a guided tour of the Centre to view the RE training equipment in the harnessing of solar and wind energy. More equipment is to be added for other energy sources.
MIC-IT celebrates Administrative Professionals
MIC-IT celebrates Administrative Professionals
“Who stole my springboard?” This intriguing theme had everyone pondering on Friday, 28 April 2023 at MIC-IT’s annual Administrative Professionals’ event, “Unlocking Your True Professional Potential” at MIC-IT’s headquarters. Every year, MIC-IT celebrates Administrative Professionals’ Day by having a coaching and mentoring symposium to exclusively honour and empower its Admins. ‘Unlocking’ the theme with an original story on the theme, were Natica Gibbs and Attilah McKnight, representatives from MIC-IT’s Human Resources department. Officially opening the event was MIC-IT CEO (Ag.), Randy Monilal. “This year MIC-IT celebrates its 49th anniversary, and in all honesty, we could not have done it without you. This organisation has been through so much over the years and you have played such an important role in keeping us together, in keeping us organised, and in keeping us on top of our game”.
Delivering the Feature address was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, who expressed that from an early age, she learned to appreciate the importance of Administrative Professionals. “No one can steal your springboard. We must practice and use the springboard to advance our successes as professionals, we must not only use but safeguard our respective springboard in the realisation of our potential, the key to our success. We must apply the virtue of discipline, toughness, balance, determination, consistency, respect, education, prayer, introspection, and leadership. In my view, those are the parts of our individual springboards, they are in our possession and are under our exclusive control. If your springboard is missing, lost, or misplaced, look within, and ask yourself where, when, and how you misplaced it. Go retrieve it”.
Also giving remarks was Minister in the Ministry of Education, The Honourable Lisa Morris-Julian who urged the Admins to appreciate each other and recognise their power and ability to drive success and growth. “Without your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail, many businesses and institutions would simply not function as efficiently and effectively as they do”.
Leadership Coach/Motivational Speaker, Luke Quamina preserved the atmosphere of inspiration by delving into the origins of the word “potential” and exhorting listeners to harness their inner power. He encouraged the crowd to discover their potential, contribute to the world and lead with good values; “High-value people are people who value people highly”. MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Imbert commended the Admins and enlightened the audience with the Latin phrase, “laborare est orare” which means “to work is to pray”. He urged the Admins to love what they do. He persisted with Physics, the “potential energy”, the energy waiting to be released, urging them to find the energy and release it in positive ways.
Speaking on behalf of the MIC-IT Administrative Professionals, was Patrice Lightbourne, Administration Supervisor who espoused, a springboard is within oneself; “The summation of your life experiences/circumstances to this point is the material that has fused into the platform that is your springboard. If there’s no vision, no destination as you mount your springboard – your career path, you will either fall off or be thrown into the air, landing wherever the board propels you. The professional potential you seek to unlock is born from the individual you are. Find that person, own that person, be that person; this journey starts with you”.
Closing the event, Neshon Frederick, General Manager, Corporate Services (Ag.), MIC-IT, praised MIC-IT’s Administrative Professionals for all that they accomplish, recognising them as a strong link in the organisational chain. An efficient administrative professional is the backbone of every good team. This was the eleventh “Unlocking Your True Professional Potential”.
About Unlocking: In 2008, MIC-IT’s then General Manager of the Corporate Services Division, now Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby and his former Administrative Assistant, now HR Manager, Carolyn Gopaul, founded this symposium to celebrate Administrative Professionals’ Week with motivational and spiritual features to encourage introspection and empowerment.
MIC-IT & ECCL sign MOU to make Craft more Utilitarian
![Done Deal!
[L-R] Keith Toby, Deputy Director, MIC-IT; Professor Emeritus Clément Imbert, Chairman, MIC-IT; The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Community Development; Adwin R. Cox, CEO, ECCL; Anil Ramnarine, CEO, MIC-IT; Dr the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education; Roger Roach, Chairman, ECCL; Dr Brian James, General Manager, Training and Industry Services and Montgomery Guy, Director, ECCL](https://www.mic.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Done-Deal-Group-Photo-scaled.jpg)
MIC-IT & ECCL sign MOU to make Craft more Utilitarian
When Technical Vocational Education and Training is used for increasing participation, productivity, competitiveness and self-employment in diverse fields, everybody wins. This will be the result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed on April 12, 2023 at MIC-IT’s Head Office between the Export Centres Company Limited (ECCL) and the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT).
This strategic partnership was born out of ECCL’s vision to make Craft skills more utilitarian. ECCL, therefore, contracted MIC-IT to create and conduct a hybrid Hydroponics Course in October 2022 entitled, “How To Build and Repair Hydroponic Systems” for 25 pilot trainees.
At the signing, The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Community Development (MSCD) commended the trainees on their successful completion of the introductory course and encouraged young persons to take advantage of ECCL’s free annual craft training programmes. Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly also commented on the significance of the MOU which will nurture entrepreneurs, advance small to medium-sized enterprises and help shift the focus from oil and gas dependency.
Also bringing remarks was ECCL Chairman and newly installed TTMA President, Mr Roger Roach. “This new programme is an expansion of the ECCL’s traditional PVC Furniture Craft Course and gives trainees the opportunity to use PVC craft skills to create more than just furniture”.
According to MIC-IT Chairman, “This training also coincides with MIC-IT’s own Hydroponics Short Course, and with the advent of MIC-IT’s Centre for Renewable Energy, it will support ECCL’s training needs”.
Giving his testimonial was Isaac Grant, a pilot Hydroponics trainee. “This training is a doorway for me to be able to achieve my goals to elevate from a home gardener to a commercial farmer and entrepreneur. I have always been a farmer at heart and view farming as a business. Now through the extensive knowledge I have gained as an ECCL-MIC Trainee, I am more confident in my ability to be able to produce crops more efficiently, safely and profitably”.
This MOU is the beginning of a longstanding relationship and will enable training and certification in Agriculture, Information Technology, Professional Development, Renewable Energy and Construction and Maintenance. It seeks to strengthen the human resource capacity between ECCL and MIC; make craft more utilitarian and expand opportunities for artisans, small farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) congratulates Mr. Ancel Bhagwandeen for being selected as a 2023 Island Ambassador!
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) congratulates Mr Ancel Bhagwandeen for being selected as a 2023 Island Ambassador!
The Island Ambassador Program aims to integrate and combine networking, sustainability, diversity, entertainment and knowledge. The program forms an active network of engaged leaders with the purpose of positively impacting people, communities and environments around them.
The program gives Ambassadors the chance to ensure that the voices of their island communities are heard on the world stage.
This is a remarkable achievement and we are honoured to have such a brilliant mind among us at MIC-IT who is passionate about island issues, innovation and sustainable development, and flies the T&T flag high! Mr Bhagwandeen is also the recent winner of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s Innovation & Technology Challenge 2023. He was proclaimed the winner with the SolarPonix, an innovation created from a joint partnership with MIC-IT.
To learn more about the Island Ambassador Programme visit https://islandinnovation.co/
Ministry of Labour and MIC Institute of Technology sign Memorandum of Agreement that will see greater facilitation for TVET candidates
Ministry of Labour and MIC Institute of Technology sign Memorandum of Agreement that will see greater facilitation for TVET candidates
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) for the On-The-Job Training Programme (OJTP) to facilitate TVET candidates. This signing took place at the Ministry of Labour’s Head Office located at Tower C, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain on January 23, 2023.
In keeping with the MOA, the MIC-IT will collaborate with the OJT Division to ensure the diverse placement of Trainees, specifically from the MIC-IT’s Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Programme and the National Skills Development (NSDP) Journeyman Programme, to complete their pre-requisite two (2) year Industry attachment to complete their programmes and receive their completion certificates.
Ms Natalie Willis, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) expressed that the Ministry looked forward to the collaboration which will facilitate placement opportunities for students of the MIC-IT for the NSDP Journeyman and EIT Programmes, to facilitate their practical training in the Manufacturing, Engineering and Energy Sectors.
Mr Anil Ramnarine, CEO, MIC-IT expressed heartfelt gratitude at the signing stating, “on behalf of our Trainees, we say ‘thank you’. This MOA certainly cements MIC-IT’s obligation to our students with regard to placement opportunities and will benefit them tremendously”.
MIC-IT creates young entrepreneurs with BizStart Programme
MIC-IT creates young entrepreneurs with BizStart Programme
On February 9, 2023, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) held a closing ceremony for the first cohort of its BizStart Programme at its Head Office in Macoya. This nine-month Student Support programme which started in July 2022 with 19 MIC-IT trainees aimed to assist them in developing their business ideas or improving their existing businesses. They hailed from MIC-IT’s training programmes – Helping You Prepare for Employment (HYPE) Programme, Multi-Sector Skills Training (MuST) Programme, Industrial Craft Programme (ICP), National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) and the recently launched Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme (MAP).
Most of the trainees’ business interests lay outside of the skill area they are pursuing at MIC-IT and included welding and fabrication, barbering, an online bookstore, an online educational platform, graphic design, catering, real estate, photography, marketing and promotions and car rental and auto services. The BizStart programme included online training in the following areas – entrepreneurship, developing a business plan and a class portfolio, a mentorship programme facilitated by MIC-IT staff, and a Meet & Greet, where trainees socialized with like-minded peers, mentors and the BizStart team. Trainees also received free business webinars from Programme contributors,
Congratulating the trainees at the ceremony were MIC-IT CEO, Mr Anil Ramnarine; MIC-IT General Manager, Training Division, Dr Brian James and guest Entrepreneurial speakers, Emerson John-Charles, Jahmela Tricia Henry and Johnathan Lee.
About the Programme: On April 4, 2022, MIC-IT officially launched its BizStart programme, a new Student Support Service for MIC-IT trainees dedicated to the development of entrepreneurs. The BizStart programme is centred on Business training development and Engineering services, integrated with the operations of MIC-IT.
The nine-month programme started with a call for interested trainees with a business idea or who wanted to start a business. Trainees were selected, screened, groomed and moulded to bolster their confidence, and were introduced to analytical business thinking and entrepreneurial skills. This paved their way forward for the next step, the advancement into business start-up or further advancement into the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited’s (NEDCO’s) Business Accelerator Programme. This arrangement was a result of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MIC-IT and NEDCO in February 2022 and is based on the business strengths of NEDCO and the technological (Engineering) strengths of MIC-IT.
MIC-IT and ProtofabTT - an award-wining combination
MIC-IT and ProtofabTT – an award-winning combination
Congratulations go out to Mr Ancel Bhagwandeen for winning the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s Innovation & Technology Challenge 2023. He was proclaimed the winner with the SolarPoniX, an innovation created from a joint partnership with the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT). Mr Bhagwandeen was presented the award at the Chamber’s T&T Energy Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on January 24, 2023, by the Honourable Pennelope Beckles Robinson, Minister of Planning.
The Solarponix was built, tested and manufactured (as a collaborative project) at MIC-IT with technical support from both MIC-IT’s Engineers in Training and the Engineering and Designs Unit and Mr Bhagwandeen’s ProtofabTT.
The SolarponiX is a climate-adaptive agricultural solution, based on renewable resources that promotes youth education while automating family farming. It also boasts of being a home-grown solution capable of producing food crops, sequestering CO2, and recycling e-waste.
Here are some key features of the SolarponiX and their advantages:
- 100% Solar powered
- Custom Digital Controls & Battery management
- Agri-Science data logging/upload – which makes it a great CSEC/Education tool
- Child Safe & Pet Safe voltages – great safety/usability rating
- Employs recycled laptop battery packs – reduces e-waste
- 105 crops in 1 Square metre – increases Land Productivity
- Portable with all crops on board – which makes it storm/flood ready
- Water conservation feature – drought ready
- Indoor/urban farming ready with LED lighting
- Agronomist tested, multiple crop types – increases Biodiversity
- Built-in Integrated Giant African Snail DeFENCE – which means fewer pesticides due to the low voltage electric fence against snails
- Proudly made in T&T – Scalable Exports
- UNDP (TT) recognised as one of the top 5 Green Innovations (2021)
It is the goal of Mr Bhagwandeen and MIC-IT to place Solarponix in the 200 Secondary Schools in the country so that the 100,000 young people enrolled therein can learn about food security and renewable energy platforms and build a sustainable future for our country.
MIC-IT wins prestigious President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence [Pr.A.I.S.E]
MIC-IT wins prestigious President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence [Pr.A.I.S.E]
Congratulations go out to the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) since, for the first time in the history of President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence [Pr.A.I.S.E], one company has emerged the winner for both the People’s Choice and the Service Excellence Award. The MIC-IT received this honour at the Award ceremony held on December 7, 2022, at the HYATT Regency, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
This esteemed award is hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the patronage of Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The MIC-IT’s winning project, “TVET Rediscovery for Skills Development” focused on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and came about as a need to facilitate online teaching and learning for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, MIC-IT made strategic changes in the way it does business, especially in the digitalization of TVET. This included changing its Learning Management System to an online and blended learning system.
On hand to receive the awards were MIC-IT Executives Mr. Anil Ramnarine, CEO; Dr. Brian James, GM, Training and Industry Services Division and Nathan Langaigne, Assistant GM. Thanking the panel of judges and the public who voted for its project, Dr. James stated, “As a premier training institution, it was our responsibility to find innovative ways to continue our mandate for youth development”.
MIC-IT also received 3015 votes which won the Institution the People’s Choice Award. Online voting, which was opened to the public from November 22 to December 5, 2022 on social media, highlighted MIC-IT as one of the finalists, under the Service Excellence Category. Other finalists in the Service Excellence Award category included NIHERST; TTT; Export-Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (Eximbank) and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
This year marks the fifth edition of the President’s Awards, the first competition of its kind implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at the country level. The aim of the Awards is to recognize transformational initiatives undertaken and that strong public sector institutions are instrumental to sustainable development. In her speech, Her Excellency revealed that, “In their pursuit of excellence, the finalists were able to identify gaps and deficiencies in their respective areas of endeavour, create inventive solutions and deliver new and effective outcomes to the people of Trinidad and Tobago”.
The President’s Awards were established as a result of the IDB’s recognition of the crucial role of institutions in building resilience and in leading the overall development of its member countries. The IDB has actively partnered with governments in its member countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen public sector institutions and governance for over 60 years.
MIC-IT – enabling tangible changes through TVET
MIC-IT – enabling tangible changes through TVET
“Education empowers us. It provides an avenue to acquire general life skills. It creates equal opportunities for all regardless of age, race, gender or religion. It bridges borders, moulds us into leaders and most importantly, it provides us with the qualifications needed to attain jobs or become an entrepreneur, which in turn gives us the ability to care for our families, live comfortably, improve our economy and even give back to our community. That is the power of education!”.
These are the wishes of Her Worship, the Mayor of Point Fortin, Saleema Thomas, for her Burgesses. Mayor Thomas was speaking at the launch of the Industrial Craft Programme (ICP) Scholarship initiative. Sponsored by the Point Fortin Borough Corporation and the Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd, the programme will be delivered by the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) at the Government Vocational Centre in Point Fortin.
The two-year Scholarship initiative, which was launched on November 14, 2022, at Point Fortin Town Hall, will be afforded to ten trainees in the field of Electrical Installation. Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, was on hand to motivate the scholarship winners and commend the collaborators for this scholarship initiative. In her Feature Address, she encouraged the trainees to, “Don’t give up. Realise your metal. Realise what you’re made of. MIC-IT will make your training valuable and enjoyable”.
The Industrial Craft Programme (ICP) is a two-year programme, delivered by MIC-IT and assessed both by the National Examinations Council (NEC) and MIC-IT. It is designed to fill the gap between the unskilled and the skilled craftsman and to provide graduates with skills and competencies in their chosen occupational field.
Representing Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd was Ms. Arlene Gorin-George, Corporate Communications Manager who pledged, “to support social sustainability through empowering young persons, our future leaders”.
Speaking about the Scholarship programme, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, revealed that this initiative was developed especially for the Burgesses of the Borough of Point Fortin and will be presented as a part-time programme from Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm. “It is designed for students to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude required to install, maintain and repair electrical wiring systems in both the domestic and commercial field”. At the end of the programme, trainees will be awarded a Craft Certificate in Electrical Installation.
MIC-IT hosts German partners
![[L-R] : Mr. Evangelos Charalabides, representative of Aachen Chamber of Crafts and Her Excellency Ms. Ute König, Ambassador of Germany to Trinidad and Tobago](https://www.mic.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/German-pair-scaled.jpg)
MIC-IT hosts German partners
As part of MIC-IT’s Programme accreditation with the Aachen Chamber of Crafts in Germany, every year, the Chamber has been represented on the Institute’s Examination Board and Audits and annually oversees the NSDP final examination’s execution.
For 2022, Mr. Evangelos Charalabides represented the Chamber, and visited MIC-IT from October 31, 2022 – November 7, 2022, to oversee the final Journeyman Qualifying examinations for the Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Maintenance.
During his visit Mr. Charalabides met with the MIC-IT Examinations Unit over several days to discuss the examination and visited the Pleasantville and Macoya Technology Centres, as well as the MIC-IT’s Advanced Workshop at its Head Office in Macoya, to observe the practical exams while they were being administered.
MIC-IT also facilitated his visit to the NSDP’s Mechanical Engineering with Steel Manufacturing (METSM) Training facilities in Macoya because of his expressed interest in the steelpan. On the final day of the visit, Mr. Charalabides presented his official report on the Journeyman examinations to the MIC-IT Board.
Mr. Charalabides also had the opportunity to tour the facilities of MIC-IT Industry Partners – Qualitech Machining Services Limited, Carib Brewery Limited and Massy CAT, where its NSDP Trainees are currently placed as part of their 2nd and 3rd year of training.
As part of the week’s activities, on November 3, Her Excellency Ms. Ute König, Ambassador of Germany to Trinidad and Tobago, paid a courtesy visit to the MIC-IT and met with the MIC-IT’s Board of Directors and Mr. Charalabides. The Ambassador was also given a tour of the MIC-IT’s Advanced Workshop, the Macoya Technology Centre and the Plastics Department, where she was presented with a token of appreciation of locally-made MIC-IT products.
Strengthening the Woodworking Manufacturing Sub-sector in T&T
![WoodAP Trainees with key personnel: [L-R], seated: Anil Ramnarine, CEO, MIC-IT; Angela Reneaud-Lewis, Director, MIC-IT; Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister, MoE; Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister, MTI; Tricia Coosal, President, TTMA; Ayleen Alleyne-Ovid, Permanent Secretary, MTI and Dr Brian James, General Manager, Training & Industry Services, MIC-IT. Standing far left: Clayton Blackman, Director, MIC-IT; Randy Monilal, General Manager, Corporate Services, MIC-IT; far right: Delvert Edwards, Wendell Yearwood, Winston Boodoo, Directors, MIC-IT](https://www.mic.co.tt/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WoodAP-trainees-with-key-persons-IMG_3801-scaled.jpg)
Strengthening the Woodworking Manufacturing Sub-sector in T&T
On October 21, 2022, MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) launched the Woodworking Apprenticeship Programme (WoodAP) at its Macoya Head office. The WoodAP was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade & Industry, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Development & National Service, the MIC-IT, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and the National Training Agency (NTA). This Dual Apprenticeship programme seeks to address the skill gaps that affect the Wood and Wood Related sector’s performance in terms of productivity, competitiveness, contribution to GDP and value of exports.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon recognised the dedicated work of all collaborators and stated that Apprenticeship Programmes like these can solve the youth unemployment crisis and fuel youth entrepreneurship. She also said that these trainees will form a critical part of the human resource pool to propel the diversification agenda of T&T. “Given our locally grown materials from our finest teak, mahogany, cedar and appamat, we expect this Programme to further strengthen the wood and wood products value chain and facilitate T&T’s integration as a higher value-added wood processor”.
Encouraging the trainees to become technical, vocational, education and training ambassadors, was the Minister of Education, Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly as she pointed out the granular issues of using skills to develop oneself, since “Vocational studies make a real ‘bread and butter’ difference in the lives of our citizens”. Also paying tribute at the launch was President of the TTMA, Ms. Tricia Coosal. “This sector has tremendous potential for export earnings and employment-generating capacity, and thus TTMA and other stakeholders here, are committed to breathing new life into this sub-sector of non-energy manufacturing”. She also praised the WoodAP for bridging the gap between the formal, standard education system and being fit for purpose, to increase efficiencies and effectiveness.
According to Member of the Board of Directors of MIC-IT, Mr. Winston Boodoo, “It is our hope that the wood and wood-related industry flourishes and secures a permanent and prominent place in our economy, by developing a safe niche for woodworking craftsmen. At MIC-IT, we welcome this opportunity to develop a pool of skilled, national labour, and to revamp and revolutionise this particular sector, that has been disregarded, discounted and overlooked”.
About WoodAP: It is a two-year full-time programme, built on MIC-IT’s National Skills Development Programme’s (NSDP) Level 2 Joinery Programme and adheres to the Dual Model of Apprenticeship System. The WoodAP will be conducted at the MIC-IT’s Technology Centres at St. Bede and Pleasantville with a total of 50 trainees. Apprentices will be exposed to new and advanced woodworking manufacturing processes using computer-aided design (CAD) and other technological machinery.
Apprentices will be required to specialise in one of the following areas; Furniture Production; Upholstering in Woodworking; Cabinet-Making; and Antique Furniture Production. Subsequently, trainees will be placed at an industry partner site aligned with their chosen specialisation. During this attachment, trainees will gain real-world application of the knowledge and practical skills they have learnt during their training. A monthly stipend of TT$2,000.00 will be provided to apprentices throughout the duration of the Programme. Upon successful completion, Trainees will receive a Level 5 CQF (CARICOM Qualifications Framework) Journeyman Diploma, certified by the ACTT.
MIC-IT & St. Mary’s Children’s Home sign MoU
MIC-IT & St. Mary’s Children’s Home sign MoU
On September 26, 2022, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, a non-profit organisation, in Tacarigua. The MoU is aimed at establishing a partnership to facilitate training and certification for participants of both institutions utilising a work-to-learn model.
At the signing, MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine remarked, “This MoU is a perfect example of a strategic partnership which would benefit both MIC-IT trainees and the residents of the Children’s Home, via training and certification. Manager of the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, Ms. Gwenyth Bleasdell, indicated that due to the age of the facility there is a number of planned refurbishment projects that would benefit MIC-IT’s ‘work to learn’ model of training. This way, the trainees can obtain ‘real work’ experiences.
Witnessing the signing were Chairman of the Board of Management, St. Mary’s Children Home, Ms. Lystra Gaskin; Ms. Rita Steele, Board member; Mr. Dominic Martin, Deputy Manager of the Home; as well as the MIC-IT’s Board members, Mr. Winston Boodoo, Mr. Wendell Yearwood; MIC-IT’s CEO Mr. Anil Ramnarine; General Manager, Training & Industry Division, Dr. Brian James and Assistant GM, Training, Mr. Nathan Langaigne.
The MIC-IT looks forward to collaborating with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home on future corporate social responsibility projects.
MIC-IT, UWI & TTMA sign MoU to establish a Learning Factory
MIC-IT, UWI & TTMA sign MoU to establish a Learning Factory
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of The West Indies (UWI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA). The MoU aims to establish a Learning Factory to facilitate Training, Research and Development, and Process Improvement in the deployment of Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation. Through the provision of a practical training environment, it will also facilitate the establishment of an Industry 4.0 Certification Programme for the Caribbean Region. The MoU also seeks to train and certify technicians, engineers and managers in the philosophy and technologies of Industry 4.0; provide an environment in which the mechanism of Industry 4.0 skills training can be monitored, researched and improved.
The MoU was signed at the launch of the TTMA’s Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) on August 26, 2022, by Mr. Anil Ramnarine, MIC-IT CEO; Ms Tricia Coosal, TTMA President and Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal, UWI St. Augustine Campus. The intention of the MoU is to catalyse a focused, collaborative partnership among the parties in upgrading the capability of the manufacturing and process industries in the Caribbean region.
MIC-IT gives youths of St. Ann’s East a “Taste of TVET”
MIC-IT gives youths of St. Ann’s East a “Taste of TVET”
“Fun and interactive!” “Engaging, entertaining and educational!” “A wonderful experience!” These were the unanimous sentiments of the 34 young participants of the St. Ann’s East Constituency who were treated to a Vocational Skills Training Summer Camp at the Cantaro Community Centre by the MIC Institute of Technology. On August 29, 2022, the students, who participated in the one-week camp (August 22-26) were celebrated at a closing ceremony at MIC-IT’s Head Office.
Opening the ceremony was MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, who stressed the importance of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). “TVET is an essential aspect of life, it occurs throughout our daily lives and one can make a good living from it, once you embrace it and do it well”. Impressed with their enthusiasm and positive vibes, Chairman Imbert thanked the students for their full attendance.
Delivering the Camp overview, was MIC-IT Macoya Workforce Development Centre’s Manager, Mr. Shorn Solomon. “The aim of the camp was to familiarise the young participants with technical vocational training. It was not a textbook training session, we had lots of fun activities, experiments, competitions and career path mentorship. The students were also exposed to Life Skills training as well as Air Condition and Refrigeration, Electrical Installation, Welding, Renewable Energy and Plumbing”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Gadsby-Dolly extended her thanks and gratitude to the MIC-IT staff. “The country is having a ‘young-people’ problem and so the contribution of MIC-IT into the lives of these youth is priceless. She also reiterated that “TVET is not an alternative, it gives you skills to carry you forward in life and a fundamental understanding. Every child is different, and camps like these are ways of catching their attention, and engaging youths to place them on a right path”.
After the distribution of Certificates of Participation to the students and Certificates of Appreciation to the Camp facilitators, was the closing remarks by MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine, who congratulated the participants for their willingness to learn and open up to technical and vocational skills.
MIC-IT to train 50 persons in Apprenticeship Programme for Woodworking
MIC-IT to train 50 persons in Apprenticeship Programme for the Wood and Wood Products Manufacturing Sub-Sector
On August 16, 2022, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) held a media conference at Nicholas Towers, Port of Spain, to announce the launch of the Apprenticeship Programme for the Wood and Wood Products Manufacturing Sub-sector. Here, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry revealed that the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) would be responsible for the management and implementation of the programme which is predicated on the MIC-IT’s Joinery (Level 2) Programme under the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP).
This Cabinet-approved programme is sponsored by the MTI, to be implemented by MIC-IT. Other key partners include the Ministry of Education, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and the National Training Agency (NTA).
Speaking at the launch, Minister Gopee-Scoon indicated, “The Programme will not only fill the existing gaps but will seek to transform the wood and wood products sector to deliver higher value-added products as it will upskill apprentices in new and emerging woodworking processes. This Wood and Wood Products Apprenticeship (WoodAP) will promote technological advancement through the adoption of AutoCAD, CNC Machining and personal tablet devices and the introduction and use of new technological machinery for the development and printing of woodworking designs”.
MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Imbert thanked the Minister for allowing MIC-IT the opportunity to facilitate WoodAP. He assured that “The MIC-IT has the necessary infrastructure, systems and experience in place to effectively administer and manage the Programme. This will allow for easy administration and management of the Programme that allows for significant time and cost savings in implementation”.
Also speaking was TTMA’s president, Tricia Coosal, who said “Another way the TTMA supports the programme is by assisting in the placement of these workers, at the completion of their first year. This apprenticeship training aspect of the programme will allow participants to immerse themselves in their field of interest”.
The WoodAP is a two-year full-time programme at the MIC-IT’s St. Bede Technology Centre and the Pleasantville Technology Centre with a total of 25 trainees at each Centre. It also includes a six-month industry attachment. Due to the Dual Apprenticeship System and to encourage trainees to enter the WoodAP, trainees will receive a $2000 monthly stipend.
Apprentices will be exposed to both theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of Wood Technology, Design and Construction, Furniture Construction, Cabinet Making and practical experiences with the various woodworking equipment.
Interested persons can register online at https://www.mic.co.tt/local/wapapply/.
Registration deadline is September 23, 2022, and Classes start in October 2022.
Approved Training Provider & WAC
MIC-IT granted Centre and Programme approvals by NTA
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) has been granted a renewed Centre Approval status for yet another three years as a Training Provider and a Workforce Assessment Centre (WAC) by the National Training Agency (NTA). After rigorous audits by the NTA, approval was based on MIC-IT’s management system, qualified staff and Centre facilities to ensure the best quality and delivery of training services.
MIC-IT has been granted Centre and Programme Approvals to offer training and/or conduct assessments, leading to the award of the following: Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) in the occupational areas of Carpentry Level 2; Commercial Food Preparation (Cookery) Level 1; Crop Production Level 2; Electrical Installation Level 2; General Office Administration (Office Clerk) Level 1; Masonry Level 2; Plumbing Level 2; Welding Level 2, and Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualifications (TTNVQ) in the occupational areas of Food and Beverage – Bar Service (Portering) Level 1 and Food and Beverage – Restaurant Service (Server) Level 1.
MoU: MIC-IT & VMCOTT
MIC-IT & VMCOTT sign MoU for advanced Automotive Training
On August 4, 2022, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) to facilitate hands-on training for MIC-IT trainees. VMCOTT, a fleet management company, is now an official Industry Partner where MIC-IT trainees can gain real work experience as part of their Industrial attachment phase of practical learning.
At the signing, Chairman of VMCOTT, Lt. Col. Neil Bennett (Ret’d), thanked MIC-IT for the opportunity to provide an apprenticeship environment for advanced vehicle management services. MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert indicated that MIC-IT trainees will benefit from exposure to modern automotive technologies, equipment and hybrid vehicles at VMCOTT which would help to maintain their relevance and sustainability in the industry. This MoU will benefit 8 MIC-IT National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) trainees at VMCOTT’s 3 facilities located at Beetham, San-Fernando and Tobago for a two-year period.
The MoU was signed at VMCOTT’s Head Office in Laventille by VMCOTT CEO, Ms. Natasha Prince and MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine and was witnessed by VMCOTT Chairman, Lt. Col. Neil Bennett (Ret’d) and MIC-IT General Manager, Training Division, Dr. Brian James.
Meet MIC-IT’s President’s Award Winner!
MIC-IT TO TRAIN 135 TRAINEES - MAP
MIC-IT HONOURS APPROX. 2,500 GRADUATES
MIC-IT LAUNCHES BIZSTART PROGRAMME
On April 4, 2022, MIC-IT officially launched its BizStart programme at its Head Office in Macoya. This new Student Support Service to MIC-IT trainees is dedicated to the development of entrepreneurs. The BizStart programme is centred on Business training development and Engineering services, integrated with the operations of MIC-IT. In this programme, MIC-IT will provide mentoring; training; small business networking; research & development; prototyping support; intellectual property management, development and protection support; manufacturing support and funding exploration.
The nine-month programme starts with a call for interested trainees who may have a business idea or want to start a business. Trainees are then selected, screened, groomed and moulded to bolster their confidence, analytical business thinking and entrepreneurial skills. This paves their way forward for the next step, the advancement into business start-up or further advancement into the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited’s (NEDCO’s) Business Accelerator Programme. This arrangement is a result of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MIC-IT and NEDCO in February 2022 and is based on the business strengths of NEDCO and the technological (Engineering) strengths of MIC-IT.
Speaking at the launch, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Imbert noted, “Growing entrepreneurs at MIC-IT is not new. Our trainees are exposed to a vast range of technical, innovative and business skills and MIC-IT looks forward to adding to the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Trinidad and Tobago”. Sharing the same sentiment, was MIC-IT’s General Manager, Training Division, Dr. Brian James, “No country can grow and develop without a vibrant small business sector. It is key to job creation and economic development”. Guest speaker and Entrepreneurial Development Consultant, Julian Henry shared some tips of successful entrepreneurs and congratulated MIC-IT for its own BizStart Programme, “I am very excited about this initiative! It is timely and it is what the country needs. MIC-IT is the place to be as a trainee/budding entrepreneur”.
MIC-IT Launches Renewable Energy Centre
MIC-IT Launches Renewable Energy Centre
On June 27, 2023, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) launched T&T’s only dedicated Centre for Renewable Energy and Associated Technologies (CREATe). Formerly the MIC-IT’s Pointe-à-Pierre Technology Centre, this Centre has been repurposed for Renewable Energy (RE) training and applied research and will position MIC-IT as a supplier of ‘green-collar’ jobs that drives the transformation of the nation’s energy production and carbon footprint reduction under the Paris Agreement.
MIC-IT is expected to collaborate with The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and The University of the West Indies to carry out research and development projects in RE. The Centre, which is staffed by experienced Engineers, Master Craftsmen and Technicians (with both local and German training qualifications) will deliver relevant and real-world training. CREATe is therefore poised to establish apprenticeship training programmes between the private and public sectors to achieve sectoral and national objectives.
Opening the ceremony, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, said that while T&T has a high carbon footprint, per capita, MIC-IT is willing to play its part in its reduction. He also conveyed the support of the Ministries of Education, and Energy and Energy Industries and their Agencies.
Congratulating the MIC-IT for this newest investment in human capital, was President of National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd, Dr. Vernon Paltoo. “This is a landmark initiative towards facilitating a systematic transition to renewables, clean technologies, and energy-efficient applications in our country. It will enable the adoption and use of renewable energy technologies, by creating a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this new era. This is key to achieving our 2030 climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement”. Dr. Paltoo also committed National Energy’s support by integrating students and graduates of CREATe as trainees on its active projects where possible, providing opportunities for practical experience in their respective fields of study.
Also speaking at the launch, MIC-IT’s General Manager, Training and Industry Services Divisions, Dr. Brian James, announced that CREATe was established to offer essential educational and professional development in renewable technologies. “CREATe will offer Certificate (Short Courses), Diploma and Advanced Diploma (Master Craftsman) Programmes in RE. It will therefore serve as a strategic tool to increase the nation’s energy output and decrease its carbon footprint by offering RE Training and related Services in core areas such as Solar, Wind, Bio-Mas, Geothermal and Hydrogen”.
Closing the ceremony, MIC-IT CEO, Anil Ramnarine, recognised all MIC-IT staff who helped to transform the Centre and thanked everyone who braved the very adverse weather to be part of the historic and auspicious launch.
Guests were conducted on a guided tour of the Centre to view the RE training equipment in the harnessing of solar and wind energy. More equipment is to be added for other energy sources.
MIC-IT celebrates Administrative Professionals
MIC-IT celebrates Administrative Professionals
“Who stole my springboard?” This intriguing theme had everyone pondering on Friday, 28 April 2023 at MIC-IT’s annual Administrative Professionals’ event, “Unlocking Your True Professional Potential” at MIC-IT’s headquarters. Every year, MIC-IT celebrates Administrative Professionals’ Day by having a coaching and mentoring symposium to exclusively honour and empower its Admins. ‘Unlocking’ the theme with an original story on the theme, were Natica Gibbs and Attilah McKnight, representatives from MIC-IT’s Human Resources department. Officially opening the event was MIC-IT CEO (Ag.), Randy Monilal. “This year MIC-IT celebrates its 49th anniversary, and in all honesty, we could not have done it without you. This organisation has been through so much over the years and you have played such an important role in keeping us together, in keeping us organised, and in keeping us on top of our game”.
Delivering the Feature address was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, The Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, who expressed that from an early age, she learned to appreciate the importance of Administrative Professionals. “No one can steal your springboard. We must practice and use the springboard to advance our successes as professionals, we must not only use but safeguard our respective springboard in the realisation of our potential, the key to our success. We must apply the virtue of discipline, toughness, balance, determination, consistency, respect, education, prayer, introspection, and leadership. In my view, those are the parts of our individual springboards, they are in our possession and are under our exclusive control. If your springboard is missing, lost, or misplaced, look within, and ask yourself where, when, and how you misplaced it. Go retrieve it”.
Also giving remarks was Minister in the Ministry of Education, The Honourable Lisa Morris-Julian who urged the Admins to appreciate each other and recognise their power and ability to drive success and growth. “Without your hard work, dedication, and attention to detail, many businesses and institutions would simply not function as efficiently and effectively as they do”.
Leadership Coach/Motivational Speaker, Luke Quamina preserved the atmosphere of inspiration by delving into the origins of the word “potential” and exhorting listeners to harness their inner power. He encouraged the crowd to discover their potential, contribute to the world and lead with good values; “High-value people are people who value people highly”. MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Imbert commended the Admins and enlightened the audience with the Latin phrase, “laborare est orare” which means “to work is to pray”. He urged the Admins to love what they do. He persisted with Physics, the “potential energy”, the energy waiting to be released, urging them to find the energy and release it in positive ways.
Speaking on behalf of the MIC-IT Administrative Professionals, was Patrice Lightbourne, Administration Supervisor who espoused, a springboard is within oneself; “The summation of your life experiences/circumstances to this point is the material that has fused into the platform that is your springboard. If there’s no vision, no destination as you mount your springboard – your career path, you will either fall off or be thrown into the air, landing wherever the board propels you. The professional potential you seek to unlock is born from the individual you are. Find that person, own that person, be that person; this journey starts with you”.
Closing the event, Neshon Frederick, General Manager, Corporate Services (Ag.), MIC-IT, praised MIC-IT’s Administrative Professionals for all that they accomplish, recognising them as a strong link in the organisational chain. An efficient administrative professional is the backbone of every good team. This was the eleventh “Unlocking Your True Professional Potential”.
About Unlocking: In 2008, MIC-IT’s then General Manager of the Corporate Services Division, now Deputy Chairman, Keith Toby and his former Administrative Assistant, now HR Manager, Carolyn Gopaul, founded this symposium to celebrate Administrative Professionals’ Week with motivational and spiritual features to encourage introspection and empowerment.
MIC-IT & ECCL sign MOU to make Craft more Utilitarian
MIC-IT & ECCL sign MOU to make Craft more Utilitarian
When Technical Vocational Education and Training is used for increasing participation, productivity, competitiveness and self-employment in diverse fields, everybody wins. This will be the result of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed on April 12, 2023 at MIC-IT’s Head Office between the Export Centres Company Limited (ECCL) and the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT).
This strategic partnership was born out of ECCL’s vision to make Craft skills more utilitarian. ECCL, therefore, contracted MIC-IT to create and conduct a hybrid Hydroponics Course in October 2022 entitled, “How To Build and Repair Hydroponic Systems” for 25 pilot trainees.
At the signing, The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sport and Community Development (MSCD) commended the trainees on their successful completion of the introductory course and encouraged young persons to take advantage of ECCL’s free annual craft training programmes. Minister of Education, Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly also commented on the significance of the MOU which will nurture entrepreneurs, advance small to medium-sized enterprises and help shift the focus from oil and gas dependency.
Also bringing remarks was ECCL Chairman and newly installed TTMA President, Mr Roger Roach. “This new programme is an expansion of the ECCL’s traditional PVC Furniture Craft Course and gives trainees the opportunity to use PVC craft skills to create more than just furniture”.
According to MIC-IT Chairman, “This training also coincides with MIC-IT’s own Hydroponics Short Course, and with the advent of MIC-IT’s Centre for Renewable Energy, it will support ECCL’s training needs”.
Giving his testimonial was Isaac Grant, a pilot Hydroponics trainee. “This training is a doorway for me to be able to achieve my goals to elevate from a home gardener to a commercial farmer and entrepreneur. I have always been a farmer at heart and view farming as a business. Now through the extensive knowledge I have gained as an ECCL-MIC Trainee, I am more confident in my ability to be able to produce crops more efficiently, safely and profitably”.
This MOU is the beginning of a longstanding relationship and will enable training and certification in Agriculture, Information Technology, Professional Development, Renewable Energy and Construction and Maintenance. It seeks to strengthen the human resource capacity between ECCL and MIC; make craft more utilitarian and expand opportunities for artisans, small farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) congratulates Mr. Ancel Bhagwandeen for being selected as a 2023 Island Ambassador!
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) congratulates Mr Ancel Bhagwandeen for being selected as a 2023 Island Ambassador!
The Island Ambassador Program aims to integrate and combine networking, sustainability, diversity, entertainment and knowledge. The program forms an active network of engaged leaders with the purpose of positively impacting people, communities and environments around them.
The program gives Ambassadors the chance to ensure that the voices of their island communities are heard on the world stage.
This is a remarkable achievement and we are honoured to have such a brilliant mind among us at MIC-IT who is passionate about island issues, innovation and sustainable development, and flies the T&T flag high! Mr Bhagwandeen is also the recent winner of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s Innovation & Technology Challenge 2023. He was proclaimed the winner with the SolarPonix, an innovation created from a joint partnership with MIC-IT.
To learn more about the Island Ambassador Programme visit https://islandinnovation.co/
Ministry of Labour and MIC Institute of Technology sign Memorandum of Agreement that will see greater facilitation for TVET candidates
Ministry of Labour and MIC Institute of Technology sign Memorandum of Agreement that will see greater facilitation for TVET candidates
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) for the On-The-Job Training Programme (OJTP) to facilitate TVET candidates. This signing took place at the Ministry of Labour’s Head Office located at Tower C, International Waterfront Centre, Port of Spain on January 23, 2023.
In keeping with the MOA, the MIC-IT will collaborate with the OJT Division to ensure the diverse placement of Trainees, specifically from the MIC-IT’s Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Programme and the National Skills Development (NSDP) Journeyman Programme, to complete their pre-requisite two (2) year Industry attachment to complete their programmes and receive their completion certificates.
Ms Natalie Willis, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) expressed that the Ministry looked forward to the collaboration which will facilitate placement opportunities for students of the MIC-IT for the NSDP Journeyman and EIT Programmes, to facilitate their practical training in the Manufacturing, Engineering and Energy Sectors.
Mr Anil Ramnarine, CEO, MIC-IT expressed heartfelt gratitude at the signing stating, “on behalf of our Trainees, we say ‘thank you’. This MOA certainly cements MIC-IT’s obligation to our students with regard to placement opportunities and will benefit them tremendously”.
MIC-IT creates young entrepreneurs with BizStart Programme
MIC-IT creates young entrepreneurs with BizStart Programme
On February 9, 2023, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) held a closing ceremony for the first cohort of its BizStart Programme at its Head Office in Macoya. This nine-month Student Support programme which started in July 2022 with 19 MIC-IT trainees aimed to assist them in developing their business ideas or improving their existing businesses. They hailed from MIC-IT’s training programmes – Helping You Prepare for Employment (HYPE) Programme, Multi-Sector Skills Training (MuST) Programme, Industrial Craft Programme (ICP), National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) and the recently launched Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programme (MAP).
Most of the trainees’ business interests lay outside of the skill area they are pursuing at MIC-IT and included welding and fabrication, barbering, an online bookstore, an online educational platform, graphic design, catering, real estate, photography, marketing and promotions and car rental and auto services. The BizStart programme included online training in the following areas – entrepreneurship, developing a business plan and a class portfolio, a mentorship programme facilitated by MIC-IT staff, and a Meet & Greet, where trainees socialized with like-minded peers, mentors and the BizStart team. Trainees also received free business webinars from Programme contributors,
Congratulating the trainees at the ceremony were MIC-IT CEO, Mr Anil Ramnarine; MIC-IT General Manager, Training Division, Dr Brian James and guest Entrepreneurial speakers, Emerson John-Charles, Jahmela Tricia Henry and Johnathan Lee.
About the Programme: On April 4, 2022, MIC-IT officially launched its BizStart programme, a new Student Support Service for MIC-IT trainees dedicated to the development of entrepreneurs. The BizStart programme is centred on Business training development and Engineering services, integrated with the operations of MIC-IT.
The nine-month programme started with a call for interested trainees with a business idea or who wanted to start a business. Trainees were selected, screened, groomed and moulded to bolster their confidence, and were introduced to analytical business thinking and entrepreneurial skills. This paved their way forward for the next step, the advancement into business start-up or further advancement into the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited’s (NEDCO’s) Business Accelerator Programme. This arrangement was a result of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MIC-IT and NEDCO in February 2022 and is based on the business strengths of NEDCO and the technological (Engineering) strengths of MIC-IT.
MIC-IT and ProtofabTT - an award-wining combination
MIC-IT and ProtofabTT – an award-winning combination
Congratulations go out to Mr Ancel Bhagwandeen for winning the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s Innovation & Technology Challenge 2023. He was proclaimed the winner with the SolarPoniX, an innovation created from a joint partnership with the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT). Mr Bhagwandeen was presented the award at the Chamber’s T&T Energy Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on January 24, 2023, by the Honourable Pennelope Beckles Robinson, Minister of Planning.
The Solarponix was built, tested and manufactured (as a collaborative project) at MIC-IT with technical support from both MIC-IT’s Engineers in Training and the Engineering and Designs Unit and Mr Bhagwandeen’s ProtofabTT.
The SolarponiX is a climate-adaptive agricultural solution, based on renewable resources that promotes youth education while automating family farming. It also boasts of being a home-grown solution capable of producing food crops, sequestering CO2, and recycling e-waste.
Here are some key features of the SolarponiX and their advantages:
- 100% Solar powered
- Custom Digital Controls & Battery management
- Agri-Science data logging/upload – which makes it a great CSEC/Education tool
- Child Safe & Pet Safe voltages – great safety/usability rating
- Employs recycled laptop battery packs – reduces e-waste
- 105 crops in 1 Square metre – increases Land Productivity
- Portable with all crops on board – which makes it storm/flood ready
- Water conservation feature – drought ready
- Indoor/urban farming ready with LED lighting
- Agronomist tested, multiple crop types – increases Biodiversity
- Built-in Integrated Giant African Snail DeFENCE – which means fewer pesticides due to the low voltage electric fence against snails
- Proudly made in T&T – Scalable Exports
- UNDP (TT) recognised as one of the top 5 Green Innovations (2021)
It is the goal of Mr Bhagwandeen and MIC-IT to place Solarponix in the 200 Secondary Schools in the country so that the 100,000 young people enrolled therein can learn about food security and renewable energy platforms and build a sustainable future for our country.
MIC-IT wins prestigious President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence [Pr.A.I.S.E]
MIC-IT wins prestigious President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence [Pr.A.I.S.E]
Congratulations go out to the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) since, for the first time in the history of President’s Awards for Innovation and Service Excellence [Pr.A.I.S.E], one company has emerged the winner for both the People’s Choice and the Service Excellence Award. The MIC-IT received this honour at the Award ceremony held on December 7, 2022, at the HYATT Regency, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
This esteemed award is hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the patronage of Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The MIC-IT’s winning project, “TVET Rediscovery for Skills Development” focused on Innovation and Entrepreneurship and came about as a need to facilitate online teaching and learning for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, MIC-IT made strategic changes in the way it does business, especially in the digitalization of TVET. This included changing its Learning Management System to an online and blended learning system.
On hand to receive the awards were MIC-IT Executives Mr. Anil Ramnarine, CEO; Dr. Brian James, GM, Training and Industry Services Division and Nathan Langaigne, Assistant GM. Thanking the panel of judges and the public who voted for its project, Dr. James stated, “As a premier training institution, it was our responsibility to find innovative ways to continue our mandate for youth development”.
MIC-IT also received 3015 votes which won the Institution the People’s Choice Award. Online voting, which was opened to the public from November 22 to December 5, 2022 on social media, highlighted MIC-IT as one of the finalists, under the Service Excellence Category. Other finalists in the Service Excellence Award category included NIHERST; TTT; Export-Import Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd (Eximbank) and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
This year marks the fifth edition of the President’s Awards, the first competition of its kind implemented by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at the country level. The aim of the Awards is to recognize transformational initiatives undertaken and that strong public sector institutions are instrumental to sustainable development. In her speech, Her Excellency revealed that, “In their pursuit of excellence, the finalists were able to identify gaps and deficiencies in their respective areas of endeavour, create inventive solutions and deliver new and effective outcomes to the people of Trinidad and Tobago”.
The President’s Awards were established as a result of the IDB’s recognition of the crucial role of institutions in building resilience and in leading the overall development of its member countries. The IDB has actively partnered with governments in its member countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen public sector institutions and governance for over 60 years.
MIC-IT – enabling tangible changes through TVET
MIC-IT – enabling tangible changes through TVET
“Education empowers us. It provides an avenue to acquire general life skills. It creates equal opportunities for all regardless of age, race, gender or religion. It bridges borders, moulds us into leaders and most importantly, it provides us with the qualifications needed to attain jobs or become an entrepreneur, which in turn gives us the ability to care for our families, live comfortably, improve our economy and even give back to our community. That is the power of education!”.
These are the wishes of Her Worship, the Mayor of Point Fortin, Saleema Thomas, for her Burgesses. Mayor Thomas was speaking at the launch of the Industrial Craft Programme (ICP) Scholarship initiative. Sponsored by the Point Fortin Borough Corporation and the Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd, the programme will be delivered by the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) at the Government Vocational Centre in Point Fortin.
The two-year Scholarship initiative, which was launched on November 14, 2022, at Point Fortin Town Hall, will be afforded to ten trainees in the field of Electrical Installation. Dr. the Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Education, was on hand to motivate the scholarship winners and commend the collaborators for this scholarship initiative. In her Feature Address, she encouraged the trainees to, “Don’t give up. Realise your metal. Realise what you’re made of. MIC-IT will make your training valuable and enjoyable”.
The Industrial Craft Programme (ICP) is a two-year programme, delivered by MIC-IT and assessed both by the National Examinations Council (NEC) and MIC-IT. It is designed to fill the gap between the unskilled and the skilled craftsman and to provide graduates with skills and competencies in their chosen occupational field.
Representing Heritage Petroleum Company Ltd was Ms. Arlene Gorin-George, Corporate Communications Manager who pledged, “to support social sustainability through empowering young persons, our future leaders”.
Speaking about the Scholarship programme, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, revealed that this initiative was developed especially for the Burgesses of the Borough of Point Fortin and will be presented as a part-time programme from Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm. “It is designed for students to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude required to install, maintain and repair electrical wiring systems in both the domestic and commercial field”. At the end of the programme, trainees will be awarded a Craft Certificate in Electrical Installation.
MIC-IT hosts German partners
MIC-IT hosts German partners
As part of MIC-IT’s Programme accreditation with the Aachen Chamber of Crafts in Germany, every year, the Chamber has been represented on the Institute’s Examination Board and Audits and annually oversees the NSDP final examination’s execution.
For 2022, Mr. Evangelos Charalabides represented the Chamber, and visited MIC-IT from October 31, 2022 – November 7, 2022, to oversee the final Journeyman Qualifying examinations for the Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Maintenance.
During his visit Mr. Charalabides met with the MIC-IT Examinations Unit over several days to discuss the examination and visited the Pleasantville and Macoya Technology Centres, as well as the MIC-IT’s Advanced Workshop at its Head Office in Macoya, to observe the practical exams while they were being administered.
MIC-IT also facilitated his visit to the NSDP’s Mechanical Engineering with Steel Manufacturing (METSM) Training facilities in Macoya because of his expressed interest in the steelpan. On the final day of the visit, Mr. Charalabides presented his official report on the Journeyman examinations to the MIC-IT Board.
Mr. Charalabides also had the opportunity to tour the facilities of MIC-IT Industry Partners – Qualitech Machining Services Limited, Carib Brewery Limited and Massy CAT, where its NSDP Trainees are currently placed as part of their 2nd and 3rd year of training.
As part of the week’s activities, on November 3, Her Excellency Ms. Ute König, Ambassador of Germany to Trinidad and Tobago, paid a courtesy visit to the MIC-IT and met with the MIC-IT’s Board of Directors and Mr. Charalabides. The Ambassador was also given a tour of the MIC-IT’s Advanced Workshop, the Macoya Technology Centre and the Plastics Department, where she was presented with a token of appreciation of locally-made MIC-IT products.
Strengthening the Woodworking Manufacturing Sub-sector in T&T
Strengthening the Woodworking Manufacturing Sub-sector in T&T
On October 21, 2022, MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) launched the Woodworking Apprenticeship Programme (WoodAP) at its Macoya Head office. The WoodAP was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade & Industry, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Development & National Service, the MIC-IT, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) and the National Training Agency (NTA). This Dual Apprenticeship programme seeks to address the skill gaps that affect the Wood and Wood Related sector’s performance in terms of productivity, competitiveness, contribution to GDP and value of exports.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon recognised the dedicated work of all collaborators and stated that Apprenticeship Programmes like these can solve the youth unemployment crisis and fuel youth entrepreneurship. She also said that these trainees will form a critical part of the human resource pool to propel the diversification agenda of T&T. “Given our locally grown materials from our finest teak, mahogany, cedar and appamat, we expect this Programme to further strengthen the wood and wood products value chain and facilitate T&T’s integration as a higher value-added wood processor”.
Encouraging the trainees to become technical, vocational, education and training ambassadors, was the Minister of Education, Dr The Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly as she pointed out the granular issues of using skills to develop oneself, since “Vocational studies make a real ‘bread and butter’ difference in the lives of our citizens”. Also paying tribute at the launch was President of the TTMA, Ms. Tricia Coosal. “This sector has tremendous potential for export earnings and employment-generating capacity, and thus TTMA and other stakeholders here, are committed to breathing new life into this sub-sector of non-energy manufacturing”. She also praised the WoodAP for bridging the gap between the formal, standard education system and being fit for purpose, to increase efficiencies and effectiveness.
According to Member of the Board of Directors of MIC-IT, Mr. Winston Boodoo, “It is our hope that the wood and wood-related industry flourishes and secures a permanent and prominent place in our economy, by developing a safe niche for woodworking craftsmen. At MIC-IT, we welcome this opportunity to develop a pool of skilled, national labour, and to revamp and revolutionise this particular sector, that has been disregarded, discounted and overlooked”.
About WoodAP: It is a two-year full-time programme, built on MIC-IT’s National Skills Development Programme’s (NSDP) Level 2 Joinery Programme and adheres to the Dual Model of Apprenticeship System. The WoodAP will be conducted at the MIC-IT’s Technology Centres at St. Bede and Pleasantville with a total of 50 trainees. Apprentices will be exposed to new and advanced woodworking manufacturing processes using computer-aided design (CAD) and other technological machinery.
Apprentices will be required to specialise in one of the following areas; Furniture Production; Upholstering in Woodworking; Cabinet-Making; and Antique Furniture Production. Subsequently, trainees will be placed at an industry partner site aligned with their chosen specialisation. During this attachment, trainees will gain real-world application of the knowledge and practical skills they have learnt during their training. A monthly stipend of TT$2,000.00 will be provided to apprentices throughout the duration of the Programme. Upon successful completion, Trainees will receive a Level 5 CQF (CARICOM Qualifications Framework) Journeyman Diploma, certified by the ACTT.
MIC-IT & St. Mary’s Children’s Home sign MoU
MIC-IT & St. Mary’s Children’s Home sign MoU
On September 26, 2022, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, a non-profit organisation, in Tacarigua. The MoU is aimed at establishing a partnership to facilitate training and certification for participants of both institutions utilising a work-to-learn model.
At the signing, MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine remarked, “This MoU is a perfect example of a strategic partnership which would benefit both MIC-IT trainees and the residents of the Children’s Home, via training and certification. Manager of the St. Mary’s Children’s Home, Ms. Gwenyth Bleasdell, indicated that due to the age of the facility there is a number of planned refurbishment projects that would benefit MIC-IT’s ‘work to learn’ model of training. This way, the trainees can obtain ‘real work’ experiences.
Witnessing the signing were Chairman of the Board of Management, St. Mary’s Children Home, Ms. Lystra Gaskin; Ms. Rita Steele, Board member; Mr. Dominic Martin, Deputy Manager of the Home; as well as the MIC-IT’s Board members, Mr. Winston Boodoo, Mr. Wendell Yearwood; MIC-IT’s CEO Mr. Anil Ramnarine; General Manager, Training & Industry Division, Dr. Brian James and Assistant GM, Training, Mr. Nathan Langaigne.
The MIC-IT looks forward to collaborating with the St. Mary’s Children’s Home on future corporate social responsibility projects.
MIC-IT, UWI & TTMA sign MoU to establish a Learning Factory
MIC-IT, UWI & TTMA sign MoU to establish a Learning Factory
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of The West Indies (UWI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA). The MoU aims to establish a Learning Factory to facilitate Training, Research and Development, and Process Improvement in the deployment of Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation. Through the provision of a practical training environment, it will also facilitate the establishment of an Industry 4.0 Certification Programme for the Caribbean Region. The MoU also seeks to train and certify technicians, engineers and managers in the philosophy and technologies of Industry 4.0; provide an environment in which the mechanism of Industry 4.0 skills training can be monitored, researched and improved.
The MoU was signed at the launch of the TTMA’s Trade and Investment Convention (TIC) on August 26, 2022, by Mr. Anil Ramnarine, MIC-IT CEO; Ms Tricia Coosal, TTMA President and Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Principal, UWI St. Augustine Campus. The intention of the MoU is to catalyse a focused, collaborative partnership among the parties in upgrading the capability of the manufacturing and process industries in the Caribbean region.
MIC-IT gives youths of St. Ann’s East a “Taste of TVET”
MIC-IT gives youths of St. Ann’s East a “Taste of TVET”
“Fun and interactive!” “Engaging, entertaining and educational!” “A wonderful experience!” These were the unanimous sentiments of the 34 young participants of the St. Ann’s East Constituency who were treated to a Vocational Skills Training Summer Camp at the Cantaro Community Centre by the MIC Institute of Technology. On August 29, 2022, the students, who participated in the one-week camp (August 22-26) were celebrated at a closing ceremony at MIC-IT’s Head Office.
Opening the ceremony was MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert, who stressed the importance of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET). “TVET is an essential aspect of life, it occurs throughout our daily lives and one can make a good living from it, once you embrace it and do it well”. Impressed with their enthusiasm and positive vibes, Chairman Imbert thanked the students for their full attendance.
Delivering the Camp overview, was MIC-IT Macoya Workforce Development Centre’s Manager, Mr. Shorn Solomon. “The aim of the camp was to familiarise the young participants with technical vocational training. It was not a textbook training session, we had lots of fun activities, experiments, competitions and career path mentorship. The students were also exposed to Life Skills training as well as Air Condition and Refrigeration, Electrical Installation, Welding, Renewable Energy and Plumbing”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Gadsby-Dolly extended her thanks and gratitude to the MIC-IT staff. “The country is having a ‘young-people’ problem and so the contribution of MIC-IT into the lives of these youth is priceless. She also reiterated that “TVET is not an alternative, it gives you skills to carry you forward in life and a fundamental understanding. Every child is different, and camps like these are ways of catching their attention, and engaging youths to place them on a right path”.
After the distribution of Certificates of Participation to the students and Certificates of Appreciation to the Camp facilitators, was the closing remarks by MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine, who congratulated the participants for their willingness to learn and open up to technical and vocational skills.
MIC-IT to train 50 persons in Apprenticeship Programme for Woodworking
MIC-IT to train 50 persons in Apprenticeship Programme for the Wood and Wood Products Manufacturing Sub-Sector
On August 16, 2022, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) held a media conference at Nicholas Towers, Port of Spain, to announce the launch of the Apprenticeship Programme for the Wood and Wood Products Manufacturing Sub-sector. Here, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry revealed that the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) would be responsible for the management and implementation of the programme which is predicated on the MIC-IT’s Joinery (Level 2) Programme under the National Skills Development Programme (NSDP).
This Cabinet-approved programme is sponsored by the MTI, to be implemented by MIC-IT. Other key partners include the Ministry of Education, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) and the National Training Agency (NTA).
Speaking at the launch, Minister Gopee-Scoon indicated, “The Programme will not only fill the existing gaps but will seek to transform the wood and wood products sector to deliver higher value-added products as it will upskill apprentices in new and emerging woodworking processes. This Wood and Wood Products Apprenticeship (WoodAP) will promote technological advancement through the adoption of AutoCAD, CNC Machining and personal tablet devices and the introduction and use of new technological machinery for the development and printing of woodworking designs”.
MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Imbert thanked the Minister for allowing MIC-IT the opportunity to facilitate WoodAP. He assured that “The MIC-IT has the necessary infrastructure, systems and experience in place to effectively administer and manage the Programme. This will allow for easy administration and management of the Programme that allows for significant time and cost savings in implementation”.
Also speaking was TTMA’s president, Tricia Coosal, who said “Another way the TTMA supports the programme is by assisting in the placement of these workers, at the completion of their first year. This apprenticeship training aspect of the programme will allow participants to immerse themselves in their field of interest”.
The WoodAP is a two-year full-time programme at the MIC-IT’s St. Bede Technology Centre and the Pleasantville Technology Centre with a total of 25 trainees at each Centre. It also includes a six-month industry attachment. Due to the Dual Apprenticeship System and to encourage trainees to enter the WoodAP, trainees will receive a $2000 monthly stipend.
Apprentices will be exposed to both theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of Wood Technology, Design and Construction, Furniture Construction, Cabinet Making and practical experiences with the various woodworking equipment.
Interested persons can register online at https://www.mic.co.tt/local/wapapply/.
Registration deadline is September 23, 2022, and Classes start in October 2022.
Approved Training Provider & WAC
MIC-IT granted Centre and Programme approvals by NTA
The MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) has been granted a renewed Centre Approval status for yet another three years as a Training Provider and a Workforce Assessment Centre (WAC) by the National Training Agency (NTA). After rigorous audits by the NTA, approval was based on MIC-IT’s management system, qualified staff and Centre facilities to ensure the best quality and delivery of training services.
MIC-IT has been granted Centre and Programme Approvals to offer training and/or conduct assessments, leading to the award of the following: Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) in the occupational areas of Carpentry Level 2; Commercial Food Preparation (Cookery) Level 1; Crop Production Level 2; Electrical Installation Level 2; General Office Administration (Office Clerk) Level 1; Masonry Level 2; Plumbing Level 2; Welding Level 2, and Trinidad and Tobago National Vocational Qualifications (TTNVQ) in the occupational areas of Food and Beverage – Bar Service (Portering) Level 1 and Food and Beverage – Restaurant Service (Server) Level 1.
MoU: MIC-IT & VMCOTT
MIC-IT & VMCOTT sign MoU for advanced Automotive Training
On August 4, 2022, the MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vehicle Management Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (VMCOTT) to facilitate hands-on training for MIC-IT trainees. VMCOTT, a fleet management company, is now an official Industry Partner where MIC-IT trainees can gain real work experience as part of their Industrial attachment phase of practical learning.
At the signing, Chairman of VMCOTT, Lt. Col. Neil Bennett (Ret’d), thanked MIC-IT for the opportunity to provide an apprenticeship environment for advanced vehicle management services. MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Clément Imbert indicated that MIC-IT trainees will benefit from exposure to modern automotive technologies, equipment and hybrid vehicles at VMCOTT which would help to maintain their relevance and sustainability in the industry. This MoU will benefit 8 MIC-IT National Skills Development Programme (NSDP) trainees at VMCOTT’s 3 facilities located at Beetham, San-Fernando and Tobago for a two-year period.
The MoU was signed at VMCOTT’s Head Office in Laventille by VMCOTT CEO, Ms. Natasha Prince and MIC-IT CEO, Mr. Anil Ramnarine and was witnessed by VMCOTT Chairman, Lt. Col. Neil Bennett (Ret’d) and MIC-IT General Manager, Training Division, Dr. Brian James.
Meet MIC-IT’s President’s Award Winner!
MIC-IT TO TRAIN 135 TRAINEES - MAP
MIC-IT HONOURS APPROX. 2,500 GRADUATES
MIC-IT LAUNCHES BIZSTART PROGRAMME
On April 4, 2022, MIC-IT officially launched its BizStart programme at its Head Office in Macoya. This new Student Support Service to MIC-IT trainees is dedicated to the development of entrepreneurs. The BizStart programme is centred on Business training development and Engineering services, integrated with the operations of MIC-IT. In this programme, MIC-IT will provide mentoring; training; small business networking; research & development; prototyping support; intellectual property management, development and protection support; manufacturing support and funding exploration.
The nine-month programme starts with a call for interested trainees who may have a business idea or want to start a business. Trainees are then selected, screened, groomed and moulded to bolster their confidence, analytical business thinking and entrepreneurial skills. This paves their way forward for the next step, the advancement into business start-up or further advancement into the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited’s (NEDCO’s) Business Accelerator Programme. This arrangement is a result of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between MIC-IT and NEDCO in February 2022 and is based on the business strengths of NEDCO and the technological (Engineering) strengths of MIC-IT.
Speaking at the launch, MIC-IT Chairman, Professor Imbert noted, “Growing entrepreneurs at MIC-IT is not new. Our trainees are exposed to a vast range of technical, innovative and business skills and MIC-IT looks forward to adding to the entrepreneurship ecosystem of Trinidad and Tobago”. Sharing the same sentiment, was MIC-IT’s General Manager, Training Division, Dr. Brian James, “No country can grow and develop without a vibrant small business sector. It is key to job creation and economic development”. Guest speaker and Entrepreneurial Development Consultant, Julian Henry shared some tips of successful entrepreneurs and congratulated MIC-IT for its own BizStart Programme, “I am very excited about this initiative! It is timely and it is what the country needs. MIC-IT is the place to be as a trainee/budding entrepreneur”.