Good morning and Happy Independence greetings to you all!
I am Dr. Keith Nurse, President of the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, COSTAATT. It is with great pleasure that I am welcoming each and every one of you to the College as you make this bold move into higher education which I am confident will reap huge rewards for you, your family and the nation.
At COSTAATT you will develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills alongside your selected area of learning. We call them Power Skills as they foster know-how, confidence, independence and empathy – critical skills for the new global economy.
The COSTAATT experience offers opportunities for networking with your peers and with employers, for example, through internships. Additionally, you will benefit from personal growth through these new experiences which will fuel your passions and open up new vistas.
What we know from international research is that higher education leads to greater self-satisfaction, improved living standards, well-being, and a broader understanding of the world.
Now let me share some good news with you. This year marks the 25th anniversary of COSTAATT. Over the past two and a half decades, we have become one of the premier tertiary learning institutions in Trinidad and Tobago, producing graduates who are leaders in healthcare, business, science and technology, the arts, and education. Our alumni can be found across the Caribbean and around the world, making their mark and contributing to society in meaningful ways.
One of the things that distinguishes COSTAATT is the applied learning approach. It ensures that your study prepares you for the real world of work and for entrepreneurship in your chosen field. As testimony to this we have expanded our programmes into new areas like digital technologies and cyber security, creative industries and new media, medtech and wellness, the digital humanities and education, the circular economy and sustainability, all with a focus on relevance to the dynamic changes in the economy and society.
We are also expanding our outreach to young professionals and online learners through our Upskilling Academy which deepens career opportunities through stackable and transferable micro-credentials.
Our campuses are evolving too! You will soon see the launch of our TechHub at City Campus, a space designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation and collaboration, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, digital media and the internet of things. This is just one example of how COSTAATT is preparing you not only for today’s world but for the world of tomorrow through our Future Skills agenda.
So, as you embark on your journey here, I encourage you to take full advantage of everything COSTAATT has to offer: engage with your lecturers, collaborate with your classmates, participate in clubs and activities, embed yourself in industry and above all, push yourself to dream bigger and reach higher.
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration, I welcome you once again to COSTAATT. You are now part of our 25-year legacy, and together, we will shape the next 25 years and beyond.
Thank you and best wishes.
