The University of Technology, Jamaica through its Co-Operative Education and the Career and Placement Units hosted a successful Employment and Internship Fair on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Papine Campus and on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Western Campus. Rebranded to incorporate the former annual Career and Job Placement Fair along with the traditional Co-operative Education Internship Fair, the event was held under the theme “Advancing into the World of Work to Innovate and Thrive in the Age of AI.” The event brought together companies and organizations offering a variety of internship opportunities for students, as well as job prospects for UTech, Jamaica finalizing students and graduates.
The day’s events commenced with an opening ceremony at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, Papine Campus. This was followed by exhibits and interviews in the Alfred Sangster Auditorium.
Professor Shermaine Barrett (left), Acting Deputy President and Provost speaks to a representative from VIP Attractions Ltd. during the Employment and Internship Fair held on March 14, 2025 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Professor Shermaine Barrett, Acting Deputy President and Provost expressed gratitude to the participating companies and emphasized the importance of such events in helping students transition from academia to the workforce.
She shared, “To complete a four-year programme and still be uncertain about what’s next can be a little daunting. For many, today marks a point of hope and great expectation.”
Emphasizing UTech, Jamaica’s drive to foster work-integrated learning, she noted, “we are committed to providing work ready graduates. Critical to our curricula here at UTech, Jamaica is the practice of work integrated learning where our students have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience throughout their studentship.”
Addressing industry partners, she added, “When you, our industry partners come onboard, you assist us in accomplishing this objective. We want to thank those of you who have come to attract students for internships – this is very, very important.” She also urged employers who have not yet joined the internship programme to participate, calling on them to “become a part of seeing our students at work, seeing what the possibilities are and contributing to the development of our nation beyond your company.”
Mr. Barry Thomas, Deputy Registrar delivers greetings on behalf of Miss Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar at the Employment and Internship Fair on March 14, 2025 in Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Ja. Papine campus.
Mr. Barry Thomas, Deputy Registrar, speaking on behalf of Vice President and University Registrar, Miss Marion Brown, emphasized the importance of the employment fair which is designed to “create opportunities for students to meet with prospective employers.”
He expressed pride in the success of the University’s graduates, sharing, “over the years, recruiters have been expressing a high level of satisfaction with the performance of our graduates. The University stands committed to training graduates who will meet the demands for a highly competent and skilled workforce,” he stated.
Encouraging the students, Mr. Thomas affirmed, “You have been adequately prepared through mock interviews, resume reviews, and employment empowerment sessions. This is the day to showcase both your technical and soft skills.”
Mrs. Olubusola Akinladejo, Acting Dean, College of Business and Management brings greetings on behalf of the University’s Deans at the Employment and Internship Fair on March 14, 2025 in Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Ja. Papine campus.
Mrs. Olubusola Akinladejo, Acting Dean, College of Business and Management, in addressing the enthusiastic students and recent graduates, highlighted, “this gathering serves as a testament to our collective commitment to preparing for and embracing the transformative changes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings to the professional landscape,” adding “We stand at the threshold of a new era where AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for redefining industries, creating opportunities, and challenging traditional paradigms.”
She further emphasized the importance of equipping graduates with the right skills to succeed in an AI-driven world. “The integration of AI into various sectors demands a workforce that is not only proficient in technological skills but also adaptable, innovative and ethically grounded. Our role as educators is to ensure that our graduates are equipped with these competencies, ready to navigate and lead in this dynamic environment.”
Encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities AI presents, Mrs. Akinladejo stated: “Embrace the possibilities that AI offers, not as a replacement for human ingenuity, but as an augmentation that can lead to unprecedented achievements. Seek roles that challenge you, inspire growth, and align with your passion for continuous learning.”
Mr. Rick Darby, President, Students Union Council addresses the participants at the Employment and Internship Fair on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Ja. Papine campus.
Mr. Rick Darby, President, UTech, Ja. Students’ Union, reflected on the significance of the event, noting, “It is more than just an event; it is a launchpad into the evolving world of work, a world that is being reshaped every day by Artificial Intelligence and rapid technological advancements.”
He emphasized the opportunities that lie ahead, pointing out that, “We stand on the brink of incredible possibilities. The workplace of today and tomorrow requires adaptability, critical thinking, and a willingness to innovate. AI is not here to replace us; it is here to enhance our capabilities, challenge us to think differently, and push us to redefine what is possible.” He also emphasized that, “success in this new era requires continuous learning, resilience, and a bold mindset.”
Special Needs Graduate looks forward to career in IT
Moshesh Adams, a special needs 2024 graduate who earned a BSc in Computing from the Faculty of Engineering and Computing was among graduates who turned out to the fair. Ahead of his scheduled interviews, he reflected on his inspiring journey, sharing both his challenges and his triumphs.
“At first it was challenging being in a new environment. There were some hiccups regarding accessibility in certain places, but the special needs unit made every effort to see that I got to where I needed to be, everything was accessible for me and whatever wasn’t accessible they assured me that workarounds were available.” In regards to his student life, he expressed, “I experienced the full spectrum of student life here at UTech during my tenure as a student and I can say that it has made me more rounded, more intelligent, smarter and more hopeful for life, because I’ve been given this opportunity to get my degree and go and to meet all of these wonderful people like Mrs. Pottinger. It was a great experience for me.”
The proud graduate also expressed gratitude for UTech, Jamaica’s role in his development. “On my resume I have listed several UTech projects that I’ve been successful in. Without UTech Ja., I couldn’t have had those successes. I couldn’t have been a part of the teams that I was a part of, I couldn’t have led the teams that I led, I couldn’t have achieved what I achieved. So, I’m really grateful,” he said.
One of his most significant achievements was his final-year project: a geospatial crime reporting system for university students. The system uses maps and location data to allow students to report and map where and when crimes occur. “I was a part of that team, and I’m very proud of my team. I managed to lead them to a grade A and that was one of my most noteworthy achievements here,” he said.
With a degree in hand and a wealth of experience, Moshesh Adams is looking forward to the future, ready to build on the foundation gained at UTech, Jamaica.
Mrs. Dorrset Gabbidon Pottinger, Assistant Registrar, Division of Student Services & Registry beamed with pride at the accomplishment of the young graduate, expressing, “we’re very, very proud of him. We are happy to see him at the job fair today being recruited like any other graduate.”
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
(from left) UTech, Jamaica students engage with representatives from Pepsi, Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and BDO (Chartered Accountants) during the Employment and Internship Fair at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium on March 14, 2025.
Students from the Western Campus waiting to be interviewed at the Western Campus, Montego Bay on March 21, 2025.
Mr. Shaine Palmer, Senior Labour Market Analyst for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security receives a token for his presentation to students, recruiters and staff during the Western Campus Fair Opening Ceremony.
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: (876) 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm
