Coordinator:  Eric Fullerton
E-mail: efullerton@ncu.edu.jm
Telephone: (876) 523-2263

Introduction               

The Northern Caribbean University Manual Development programme is designed to expose students to varied work experiences.  It also serves to stimulate them by means of the work programme, to achieve their highest potential so that they can be models for others, and prepare them for the world of work.  Our desire is to prepare students for a smooth transition from the classroom to the  working world with hands-on experience, at any level that they may be employed.  Our students have an edge for upward mobility if they apply themselves and the skills they have learnt in the work programme.

Objectives

The department aims to:

• Produce quality, rounded individuals ready for the world of work.

• Help students appreciate the dignity of labour.

• Help students create a reference base for their work experience

• Teach students all that is necessary to make them good workers and assist them in developing the right attitude towards work.

• Create a multi-skilled base for each student, thus making them flexible and marketable individuals.

• Encourage students to be good team players on the job.

• Encourage students to focus and be responsible for their own actions on or off the job.

• Inculcate an appreciation for working in the soil which is to a large extent the way we survive.

Requirements

The Manual Development Programme is not an option.  It is one of the core requirements for every student who  attends Northern Caribbean University.  This is one of the tenets that distinguish this university from other tertiary institutions.

A student should make sure that manual development requirements are met, and should try to do their manual development early or at the beginning of the semester when the academic preparation may be lighter.

1. Associate Degrees: A student who is pursuing these degrees is required to do three (3) semesters of manual arts or be employed on or off campus.

2. Bachelor's Degrees: A student who is pursuing these degrees is required to do six (6) semesters of manual development or be employed on or off campus.

Exemption from Manual Development

Exemption from Manual Development may be granted when students are able to produce to the Manual Development & Community Outreach Office documentary evidence to verify one of the following:

1. Study Leave

2. Chronic medical condition (produce medical certificate)

3. Studying part-time while working

4. Enrolled in JAMVAT programme during the semester

5. Transfer students who have had at least three years employment experience.

6. Other

"An education derived chiefly from books leads to superficial thinking.  Practical work encourages close observation and independent thought.  Rightly performed it tends to develop that practical wisdom which we call common sense."  (White, 1903, p.220)