VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | January – March 2022 6 University of Technology, Jamaica, through its Division of Student Services and Registry, hosted the 28th staging of the annual Career and Job Placement Fair, from March 9 to 11, 2022. Themed ‘Advancing into the World of Work’, the annual event, which was held virtually via the Hopin platform, provided an opportunity for final year students to transition into their careers through networking with companies and organisations. The three-day event featured sessions on employability skills, networking and interviews for students seeking employment. Professor Colin Gyles, Acting President, UTech, Jamaica in his welcome at the opening ceremony on March 9, 2022, thanked the Division of Student Services and Registry for its successful efforts in transitioning the signature event to the virtual space, and also had high commendation for the over forty companies and organizations that partnered with the University for the Career Fair. “We thank all participating companies for your continued interest in UTech, Jamaica and I assure you that you have come to the right place in search of human capital to increase productivity, innovation and efficiency in your organisations,” Professor Gyles noted, adding that the University continues to enjoy the reputation of producing work-ready, capable graduates. Professor Gyles also reiterated UTech, Jamaica’s commitment to its students, citing the continued investment in fostering “a holistic, student-centred environment”, which is bolstered by academic rigour, a hands-on, practical approach to learning, the infusion of critical thinking, entrepreneurship and innovation into the curriculum and the exposure to mandatory community service as a prerequisite to graduation. “Additionally,” he noted, “our students benefit from a structured Cooperative Education Internship programme, which helps to give them a sense of the real world of work.” Greetings were received fromMs. Marion Brown, Vice President and University Registrar who underscored the value of partnerships with industry players which enabled the successful staging of the annual event. Also bringing greetings were Ms. Sophia McIntosh, Western Campus Coordinator and UTech, Jamaica Students’ Union President, Ms. Robyn Murray, who had high commendation for the University’s administration for its commitment to students, demonstrated through the staging of the annual event amidst the “unprecedented challenging times” of the pandemic.” She also expressed appreciation to the participating organisations and companies “for recognising that the next generation of professionals are eager and ready to advance to the world of work.” To her fellow students, she advised, “as aspiring young professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure that we prepare ourselves accordingly and appropriately,” adding the dynamics of the workplace have changed, and new creative and innovative technological solutions are now in high demand. “I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to be multidimensional; learn new skills, strengthen the pre-existing ones, rebrand yourselves, and make yourselves an asset. Sponsor, Ms. Melissa Reveiro, Talent Manager, Nestle (Anglo-Dutch Caribbean), in her remarks, noted that the company is proud to be partnering with University of Technology, Jamaica, as “youth initiatives are a major part of our strategic planning in Nestle throughout the world.” Ms. Reveiro also introduced the Nestle Youth Programme, which was launched in 2014 in response to “unemployment figures in the double digits,” which provides opportunities for young people to find employment. Ms. Reveiro explained that the programme is founded on four pillars; get hired, get skilled, get support and get more opportunities, and operates through offering opportunities for training, internships, and employment, by participating in job fairs, webinars and other events. “Since we have launched, we’ve hired over two hundred persons directly into our operations,” she shared, adding that the programme has also provided over three hundred persons with opportunities to gain additional skills across the Caribbean region. “We continue to be very committed to this partnership with UTech, Jamaica,” Ms. Reveiro noted, reiterating Nestle’s commitment to hiring and training young professionals and inviting students to take advantage of the opportunities for employment and internships. Mrs. Dorsett Gabbidon-Pottinger, Assistant Registrar, Student Services, who moved the Vote of Thanks, extended gratitude to members of the University Community, industry partners and sponsors for making the second virtual staging of the event a success. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to major sponsors Nestle, who she noted continue to engage with and hire University of Technology, Jamaica students. Annual Career and Job Placement Fair 2022
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDQ5NzI=