Professional Development Institute

The Professional Development Institute (PDI) was established to enable the University to respond more efficiently and effectively to market demand for professional training. PDI offers professional courses and programmes for early and mid-career professionals, pre-professionals, and those who have an interest in or aptitude for but have not had any formal training in an area.

PDI courses and programmes equip the student with the knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes that are relevant and current. They are grounded in the foundations of the discipline, profession, or occupation, but tilt more towards practice than theory, and help the student step seamlessly from the classroom into the workspace.

How PDI Tailors Learning to Your Needs

PDI also designs, develops, and delivers courses and programmes in response to the expressed needs of institutions. These bespoke programmes are tailored to respond to the specific context, aspirations and operations of the client-institution. The Professional Development Institute offers courses organised in three Terms. Each Term runs for twelve to fourteen weeks, as follows: mid-September to mid-December; mid-January to mid-April; and mid-May to mid-August.

The dates for specific courses are indicated on the course flyer below. The course schedules are posted just prior to the start of the course. Courses are conducted on Zoom or face-to-face (residential and non-residential). Payment for each programme must be completed before the course ends, in order to receive the credential. Students may request to go on a payment plan to facilitate their on-time payments.

PDI Courses

Meeting Special Education Needs

This course examines how assistive and digital technologies, like AI and Google Workspace, support learners with special educational needs. It focuses on using these tools to promote accessibility and personalized learning.

Designing Inclusive Environments

This program teaches universal design and compliance to create accessible built environments, using a virtual audit and case study for practical application.

SDA Possibility
Ministries

This course addresses Caribbean-specific contexts, using technology to connect churches of all sizes in alignment with General Conference guidance.

Special Education for Professionals

This interdisciplinary program teaches professionals how to collaborate across sectors to support children and adolescents. It helps them define and develop their unique role within a team.

Real Estate
Finance

This course covers the fundamental concepts of real estate finance, including how funds flow into various markets. Students will learn to calculate financing costs and evaluate different investment options.

Real Estate Brokerage and Agency Principles

This course prepares real estate agents with the ethical standards and professional practices needed to excel. It focuses on developing competent professionals who deliver exceptional service and build trust.

Report Writing

This course teaches the fundamentals and ethical dimensions of reporting. Participants will learn effective writing techniques and diverse modalities for creating clear reports.

Proposal Writing

This course teaches the essential strategies for securing funding. Participants learn to develop compelling grant proposals for non-profits and community initiatives.

Grant Application
Development

This course provides the essential skills and strategies to successfully secure funding for innovation and research projects. Participants will learn by applying these techniques to real grant opportunities in a team environment.

Occupational Health and Safety

This course teaches the fundamental principles of creating a safe and healthy work environment. Participants learn to identify workplace hazards and implement effective safety protocols to ensure a compliant and secure setting.

Upcoming Courses

Course
Date & Time
Duration
Tuition
Real Estate Finance
September 30 - November 4, 2025
6:00pm - 8:00pm AST
5 weeks Tuesdays & Thursdays
TT $3,000 / USD $450
Designing Inclusive Environments (Practical Accessibility In Public Spaces)
October 6 - October 30, 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm AST
4 weeks Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
TT $3,000 / USD $450
Report Writing
October 6 - October 30, 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm AST
4 weeks Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
TT $3,000 / USD $450
Proposal Writing
October 6 - October 30, 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm AST
4 weeks Mondays & Wednesdays
TT $3,000 / USD $450
SDA Possibility Ministries
October 6 - October 30, 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm AST
4 weeks Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursday
TT $3,000 / USD $450
Meeting Special Education Needs Through Technology
November 3 - November 28, 2025
5:00pm – 8:00pm AST
4 weeks Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursday
TT $3,000 / USD $450
Real Estate Brokerage and Agency Principles
November 3 - December 12, 2025
5:00pm – 7:00pm AST
4 weeks Mondays & Wednesdays
TT $4,000 / USD $600
Occupational Health and Safety
October 2 - October 30, 2025
9:00am - 4:00pm AST
4 weeks Thursdays
TT $2,500 / USD $375

Contact PDI

Tel: 1 (868) 662-2241 , 1 (868) 612-4872 Ext 1051
WhatsApp: 1 (868) 662-1197
E-mail: pdi@usc.edu.tt