The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the University of Technology Jamaica (UTECH), on Monday, February 12, 2018 formalized their longstanding partnership arrangement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the University’s Campus in Papine, St. Andrew.
The signing of the MOU by General Manager of the UDC Dr Damian Graham and President of UTECH Professor Stephen Vasciannie, formalizes the ongoing collaboration of both entities in the areas of internship, architecture, urban design, physical development and other technical services. The signing of the MOU also means that both the UDC and UTECH will establish a joint collaboration committee responsible for the formulation and preparation of feasibility studies for specific activities, projects and opportunities.
According to Dr Graham, the UDC is pleased to be afforded an opportunity to concretise this arrangement which has been longstanding. He noted that with the signing of this MOU, the Corporation is able to deepen the benefits of the partnership as well as perpetuate its legacy through education, training, research and partnership in a mutually beneficial way. Professor Vasciannie who expounded on the relationship of the University and the Corporation, noted that the engagement of the UDC over the years has been beneficial to both students and staff of the Built Environment Faculty who have been given the opportunity to participate in aspects of projects being conducted by the UDC, benefitted from internship programmes as well as gained employment.
He further noted that UDC technical employees have also provided their expertise as part time lecturers at the University.
The UDC’s relationship with UTECH formerly College of Arts Science and Technology (CAST) began as early as the 1970’s where graduates particularly of the built environment have benefitted from internships programmes offered by the Corporation as well as employment opportunities following programme completion. The UDC and UTECH through the Caribbean School of Architecture have also collaborated on research projects in the past. The UDC has also provided staff to enrich the academic experience for the University’s Faculty of the Built Environment through sharing of industry knowledge and experience.
For further information, please contact
The Corporate Relations and Marketing Department
Urban Development Corporation
12 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 656-8031
Email cr@udcja.com
www.facebook.com/urbandevelopmentcorporation
February 13, 2018