SIT students graduate-● Jude Gabriel clinches President’s Cup |04 May 2010

Director of SIT Jean Rassool said this during the institution’s fifth graduation ceremony last Friday when a total of 285 students graduated after following 13 courses offered at certificate and diploma levels.

The event, held at the International Conference Centre, was attended by Vice-President Joseph Belmont, Minister for Education Bernard Shamlaye, Minister for Employment and Human Resources Development Macsuzy Mondon, principal secretary for education Jeanne Simeon, and leader of government business in the national assembly Marie-Louise Potter.

Others present included director for technical and further education Fiona Ernesta, lecturers, parents and sponsors.

Addressing those present, Mr Rassool said an intake of about 35% of the secondary school leavers indicate that a significant percentage of the workforce in the country have followed a course at SIT.

He said the performance of students on the range of courses offered over 2008 and 2009 shows continued improvement over the past five years.

“The 77% overall success rate for diploma level courses compared to 75% the previous year are indication of the students’ progress in their performance on these level courses,” he said.

The best improvement for this year was with the diploma course in motor vehicle engineering, from 40% success rate in 2008 to 86% in 2009.

Mr Rassool said this is the best result so far in motor vehicle engineering and the extra support of maths, electronic and science lecturers made the difference for excellent results.

However, he said the needs for graduates from the building services courses remain high as demand from the construction industries are more than what the country can supply.

He congratulated the graduates on the successful completion of their studies at the institution.

“You are now equipped to exercise good practices at work, in public places, at home and indeed be a model to the younger generation who aspire for a place at SIT,” he added.

“I call upon you to be proactive towards securing appropriate work. It is important that you gain valuable work experience to support your certificate and progress in your chosen career,” he said.

During the ceremony Jude Gabriel, graduate in diploma in telecommunication engineering, was awarded the President’s Cup presented to him by Vice-President Belmont. He also received a laptop, a return ticket to Singapore and a certificate presented to him by Mr Shamlaye.

Two students -- Alvin Marie and Denis Payet -- were awarded the City and Guild shield.
Also rewarded were best performers in the nine certificate courses. Marcus victor was the best performer in carpentry and joinery, Glenny Gamatis in electrical installation, Jason Benstrong (electronic servicing) and Ricky Simeon (masonry).

The others were Bertrand Morel in mechanical engineering, Lenny Philoe (motor vehicles mechanic), Tamara Maria (painting and decorating), Keren Yocette (plumbing) and Leeroy Lesperance (refrigeration and air-conditioning).

Four best performers were also awarded in each diploma course. Lenny Lablache was the best in the diploma course for construction industry, while Denis Payet was the outstanding performer in the mechanical and electrical engineering diploma course.

Jude Moustache from motor vehicle engineering and Kelvin Sopha from telecommunication engineering were best performers in their courses.

The outstanding performer award for the certificate courses was Wallace Labaleine, who was following a course in plumbing.