Fifty final-year science and engineering students from across the Caribbean region are set to participate in the third edition of the Cemex Campus programme, aimed at exposing tertiary students to the operations of a multinational company and the latest technologies in the cement industry.
Led by Caribbean Cement Company Limited, the programme will also involve other cement companies operated by Cemex in the region, including Arawak Cement Company Limited in Barbados and Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL).
Over the course of eight weeks, the students will delve into various subjects such as health and safety, cement distribution, cement technology, lime operations, aggregates and quality, as well as sustainability.
They will also gain insights into supply chain management, social impact, sales, distribution, planning, and human resources management.
The participants will be selected from six universities: the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI); the Caribbean Maritime University from Jamaica (participating for the first time); the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies; the University of Trinidad and Tobago; the MIC Institute of Technology from Trinidad and Tobago; and the Cave Hill Campus of UWI in Barbados (also participating for the first time).
Chairman of Caribbean Cement Company Limited, Parris Lyew-Ayee (left), presents final year civil engineering student at the University of the West Indies, Mona, and CEMEX Campus participant, Lesmar Murray with a certificate of participation and a token during the 2021 iteration of the programme, at the company’s Sports Club in Rockfort, Kingston.
During the virtual launch of Cemex Campus on June 1, TCL Group Managing Director, Francisco Aguilera, highlighted the programme as an opportunity for regional students to benefit from knowledge transfer.
He emphasised the chance for the students to learn about the industry, witness the technologies employed in manufacturing building materials, understand how operations are carried out, and interact with a multinational company.
Aguilera also expressed satisfaction with the number of students and universities involved in the current edition of the programme.
Furthermore, he mentioned that it would contribute to training future professionals, developing the company’s executives, and strengthening the academic programmes of the participating universities.
Meanwhile, Parris Lyew-Ayee, Chairman of the Board at Caribbean Cement Company Limited, welcomed the programme and underscored its significance in preparing university students for the workforce.
He acknowledged concerns from regional employers about the readiness of young graduates and their ability to operate efficiently.
Lyew-Ayee explained that Cemex Campus aims to bridge this gap by providing students with a practical understanding of the expectations for engineering and science graduates in the working world.
He emphasised that the programme’s goal is not only to prepare individuals for Cemex plants but also to cultivate professionals who can excel in any operational system.
Jorge Camelo, Human Resources Director, expressed delight at the continuation of the programme and described it as an excellent opportunity for learning and personal growth.
He encouraged students to be proactive, bring forth their ideas, and actively participate in the various departments.
The programme was first launched in 2021 with 42 students from across the region. At the conclusion of the program, three students from Jamaican universities were retained in various positions at Carib Cement.