VMCOTT opens doors to students

The group toured the Bay 2 area of the complex, where fully electronic cars and motorbikes are serviced with the use of state-of-the-art computer technology.

They were given a full briefing and demonstrations of the use of the equipment by the company’s representatives and some students were also given the opportunity to test the equipment.

Acting CEO of VMCOTT, Joel Brown, also briefed them on the importance of choosing the right career. He encouraged them to be “very open” in choosing a career and also told them that “passion (should) be a key determinant in what you want to pursue.”

The Autotronics Lab was the next stop on the tour. This multi-million dollar lab is one of two of its kind in the country and through the use of computer software, auto problems are assessed and evaluated. A video on the process of evaluating auto problems was also shown to the group.

The forum, now in its fifth year, has brought over 200 youths from Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago together for a seven-day residential activity. The forum aims to encourage the pursuit of careers in science and technology. It also seeks to provide a medium through which Caribbean youth can discuss important issues in the field, interact with regional and international scientists and foster long-term relationships.

Sessions are also being conducted with the students on very topical issues related to the youth, their careers and development and how these issues impact on the wider Caribbean society.

The field trips also include visits to the Biomedical Engineering Unit, Mt Hope; the Forensic Science Centre; the National Gas Company; bpTT- HIVE Department, Port-of-Spain; the National Wild Fowl Trust, BWIA and the Asa Wright Nature Centre. The forum which began on July 30 ended yesterday.