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UVI Degree in Process Technology Offers Career Option

The University of the Virgin Islands is pleased to inform the public that the Associate of Applied Science degree in process technology is being offered on UVI's Albert A. Sheen campus on St. Croix. Applications are being accepted for the Fall 2012 semester.

Process technicians are individuals who have acquired the skills and knowledge to startup, operate, shutdown, analyze and troubleshoot industrial processes. These professionals are employed in process industries that include rum distilleries, power generation, water and wastewater treatment, oil and gas, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals. The skills developed as a process technician are transferrable nationally and globally. Starting salaries for process technicians range from $40,000 to $50,000 per year, with excellent benefits.

UVI Process Technology Program graduates are gainfully employed at local process industries including Cruzan Rum, Diageo USVI LLC, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, and Seven Seas Water.

According to the American Chemical Society (ACS) there are approximately 800,000 process technicians in the United States and 80 percent of them are "baby boomers" who will retire in the next 10 to 15 years. This translates into tremendous job opportunities for young people who decide to pursue this field of study.

The end of the Spring 2012 semester will mark the culmination of 10 years of continuous sponsorship of the UVI Process Technology Program by HOVENSA LLC, which has resulted in 97 students having obtained their associate's degree in process technology. UVI is pursuing strategic collaborations with several local industrial partners such as the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, Cruzan Rum, Diageo USVI LLC and Seven Seas Water to enhance the viability of the Process Technology Program.

The UVI Process Technology Program is an integral part of a national effort and strategy to address the need to produce process technicians for process industries throughout the nation. The UVI Process Technology Program is modeled after similar programs offered at community colleges and universities throughout the Gulf Coast region of the United States.

UVI thanks HOVENSA LLC for its sponsorship and support of the UVI Process Technology Program for the last 10 years.

To obtain information about the UVI Process Technology Program or to apply, please contact Prof. Eric Douglas at (340) 692-4153 or by email at edougla@uvi.edu.