CARIB, UTT complete internship programme

CARIB Brewery and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) have completed a five-week internship programme aimed at supporting workforce development and industry collaboration. The initiative ran from June 23 to July 25.

The internship involved eleven final-year students from UTT. Ten students were enrolled in the National Engineering Technician Diploma (NETD) in Mechanical Engineering, and one was enrolled in the NETD in Chemical Engineering. The students were placed across CARIB Brewery’s departments, including Brewing, Packaging, Utilities, and Engineering.

Managing Director, CARIB Brewery TT, David Welch, said the internship formed part of the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, innovation, and talent development. Vice President, Research, Academic and Student Affairs (Ag.), UTT, Professor Rean Maharaj, described the programme as an example of effective collaboration between industry and academia.

The internship formed part of the UTT’s CO-OP programme. Students were given the opportunity to work in professional environments while observing engineering operations. The programme was designed to help students strengthen both technical and soft skills.

Students noted positive feedback from their experience. They cited practical exposure, interaction with professionals, and the opportunity to apply academic concepts as key benefits.

CARIB Brewery and the UTT are expected to formalise their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement will establish a framework for expanded internships, research, and knowledge-sharing.

The MOU is intended to reinforce collaboration between the brewery and the university. Expected outcomes include a skilled engineering talent pipeline, enhanced support for engineering education, and contributions to national workforce development.

Both institutions aim to continue aligning academic learning with industry needs. The partnership supports CARIB Brewery’s role in beverage manufacturing and industrial talent development in Trinidad and Tobago.