STUDENTS of the University of West Indies (UWI) are to benefit from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between TOTAL Jamaica Ltd and the tertiary institution, on Wednesday.

The pact, which takes effect in August, will see UWI students integrated into TOTAL’s workforce and given the necessary real-world experience.

Dr Michael Faulkner, managing director of TOTAL Jamaica, said the move was part of his organisation’s mantra.

“At TOTAL, education is a priority and long-term commitment. Economic and human development, access to knowledge and fostering diversity of talent are key ingredients of TOTAL’s activities globally,” the MD told the audience who attended the function.

Guests included Julian Robinson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining; Maxine Henry-Wilson, executive director and CEO of Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission; and His Excellency Jean-Michel Despax, Ambassador of France.

“TOTAL for its part will provide the partnership with a wide range of resources, services and inputs, experts, technical support, business exposure, case studies, internships, networking, site visits, scholarships for high potentials and talented students,” said Faulkner.

The Sierra Leone-born Faulkner said the French multinational oil, gas and energy giant has similar arrangements with educational institutions across the region.

“In the Americas, we have signed agreements with three [universities] in Argentina, one in Brazil, one in Chile, one in Costa Rica, four in Puerto Rico and three in Mexico,” he said.

He said the selected universities are open to the corporate world, are of national and regional stature and share Total’s value of excellence, progress, diversity and development of human capital.

“This wide network of university programmes will help us to do university exchanges, promote research, development of lecturers and professors, student development programmes, and job integration.

“Of particular interest will be areas like engineering, innovations, information technology development, environment and health studies, the sciences, and other areas that from time to time the university feels strongly about which can be discussed and mutually agreed upon,” he added.

Professor Archibald McDonald, Pro Vice Chancellor and UWI principal, said the partnership will significantly enhance the school’s ability to provide essential educational programmes intended to steer Jamaica towards a path of growth and sustained development.

“One of the most significant aspects of this partnership is Total’s commitment to offering training and scholarship programmes to our students,” said Professor McDonald.

The UWI principal highlighted the role that science and technology played in a country’s growth and development.

“Though we acknowledge that the development of a country cannot be hinged primarily on the science and technology sector, we must acknowledge the integral role it plays in developing the market and productivity potential of nations.

“Societies with a strong science and technology framework are performing remarkably well within the global markets. Jamaica must seize any opportunity to enhance its own infrastructure to appeal to the global market demands of the industry. This new partnership provides a stepping stone towards achieving this goal by placing emphasis on developing the academic abilities and practical skills of future professionals,” he said.

TOTAL Jamaica sells a full range of petroleum products to the retail, commercial and industrial markets. It is a key player in the petrochemicals market with products ranging from jet fuel, gasoline and diesel to lubricants, greases, and heavy fuel oil.

The company boasts more than 50 stations and is also a major player in Jamaica’s motorsport. The company is a sponsor of TOTAL Summerbell Racing team which includes current circuit champion Kyle Gregg, Andre Anderson, and many-time champion David Summerbell Jr.