A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Institute of Chemical Engineering (IChemE) and the Association of Professional Engineers of T&T (APETT) that will afford local chemical engineers greater opportunities in the global market.
The MOU was signed following the launch of IChemE at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA), San Fernando.
In the feature address at the event, Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering at the University of the West Indies (UWI) David Roderick McGaw said the MOU provides opportunities for continued professional development.
“The area of continuing professional development has not been adequately addressed to date nationally,” he said.
“IChemE is strong in this area and if arrangements can be made for applications of the distance learning techniques, or through the audio visual process, we must capitalise on this opportunity.”
IChemE’s director of Qualifications & International Development, Neil Atkinson, said: “In T&T right now we are moving into troubled waters, this being a result of oil and gas prices but also as a result of restricted production in the short and medium term production.
“The teaching programmes will continue and evolve with global trends and in content, this is particular is where our ties with the IChemE are paramount not just in the accreditation process but also through the contacts that can be made with other global universities and institutions.”
Atkinson said IChemE provides “a vibrant, energised member group, more highly developed university engagement and stronger corporate engagement in relation to professional qualification and development.”