More trainees at Desalcott

Almost double the number of engineering trainees and trainee operators were accepted by Desalcott this year, as compared with last year, according to an announcement by the company. In 2003, eight young persons, including UWI undergraduates in the field of electrical and mechanical engineering, and apprentices in similar fields in technical institutes, had their applications approved for three-month attachments at the Pt Lisas plant which also pays each student a stipend.

In 2004, 14 trainees were accepted, and in a departure from the regular practice of summertime on-the-job training, four of the students were being tutored in the final quarter in order to accommodate demand. These students devote time after their regular classes to go to Desalcott. This fits in with Desalcott’s broad policy of knowledge-enhancement. General Manager John D Thompson summed it up in these words: “Our company has always held the view that any form of education and development of the youth of this country is extremely important for the viable future of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Reviewing other areas of assistance this year, Thompson pointed out that Desalcott has given out thousands of bottles of water to such institutions as requested supplies as St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando; the Girl Guides Association; the California and Pt Lisas Jamaat — a branch of ASJA; Carapichaima Senior Comprehensive School; Precious Promise Kindergarten of Vistabella. Also, the Masonic Charitable Organisation; the Petrotrin Pointe-a-Pierre Club Children’s Summer Camp; the Pt Lisas Ladies Football Club; San Fernando District Scout Council; TT Fire Service; flooded areas in Central Trinidad, and many others, for youth camps, sports days, fund-raisers and coastal clean-up day.