UTech launches entrepreneurship school
THE University of Technology (UTech) has launched a School of Entrepreneurship, in a bid to provide the skills needed to assist in the stimulation of growth in the Jamaica and the Caribbean.
The school was officially launched on June 15 at the Technology Innovation Centre at the UTech campus in Kingston.
“The launch of the school represents an expansion of its business and management programme, which falls under the Faculty of Business and Management,” said a statement from the institution.
Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management, Professor Gavin Chen, who spoke at the launch, noted that “developing an entrepreneurial spirit in all our graduates is a core element of our mission. UTech’s School of Entrepreneurship is the first of its kind in the Caribbean region to deliver an innovative curriculum, engage in relevant research, expand learning and open new and exciting opportunities for students and communities”.
He said further that the school will offer the new bachelor of science (BSc) degree in entrepreneurship and certificate courses for professionals in small business management. Its flagship programme — the BSc in entrepreneurship — will provide the best possible integration of theory and practice-based entrepreneurship principles to confront the problem of employment and the under-utilisation of opportunities that abound today.
The course was developed with the input of educators and industry professionals to provide the knowledge, skills and the attitudes to provide the practical experiences required for the promulgation of successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Application for the 2010/11 academic year will close on June 30. The school, when it begins will have the capacity for 50 students. The BSc programme is scheduled to run for four years and will see students completing 122 credits in order to be awarded the degree.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Karl Samuda has welcomed the move while congratulating UTech for its bold move in establishing the school at a time when the need to stimulate growth and jobs in the economy is at its greatest.
Entrepreneurship school cap:
From left: Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Karl Samuda is assisted by Oral McCook in cutting the ribbon to UTech’s School of Entrepreneurship office while looking on are Professor Rosalea Hamilton, vice-president of business development and Professor Errol Morrison, president of UTech. The occasion was the recent launch of the School of Entrepreneurship at UTech yesterday, which will open its doors to the first set of students in September.