(Trinidad Guardian) Government hopes to strategically position T&T as a centre of development of the region’s aviation industry. This was revealed on Wednesday at the official launch of the University of T&T’s (UTT) Aviation Campus at Camden, Couva. Tertiary Education Minister Fazal Karim, who spoke at the launch, said the airstrip at Camden could become the regional airport in the future.
“A needs analysis was done in 2011 both by UTT and the National Training Agency which revealed a limited pool of human resources for both training and industry expansion in the local aviation industry, particularly in the field of aviation maintenance. Training opportunities will be provided to citizens to provide programmes in aviation. There are also shortages in occupational fields like pilots and maintenance engineers,” he said.
Karim said talks are taking place with Boeing in Seattle on possible collaborations at the newly opened training facility. “Today we have levelled a platform for citizens who are keen on getting an education. Educa-tion and training is the passport from poverty to prosperity,” he said.
Rudranath Indarsingh, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, said aviation industry is important to &T and global economy as it “plays a critical role in moving the human being, in moving goods and services, in moving cultures.”
“It has tremendous economic importance to the country’s growth and development. “We must see the aviation institute and runway as part of the continued development of T&T.
Whether there is a natural disaster or a terrorist issue at the Piarco International Airport, this runway can be utilised to bring stability,” he said.
In August 2014 Cabinet approved TT$41.6 million for construction of the first phase of the campus, including construction of classrooms with flight device training facilities, ancillary facilities, outfitting and consultancy services.
Programmes offered will include certificate in aviation theory, diploma in aviation technology with specialisation in air frames, engines and avionics, a bachelor of science degree in aviation technology, airframes, engines and aviation licences.
The two other phases of construction will include laboratories, specialised learning spaces, a hangar facility and workshop.
