Professional Development Institute

Professional Development Institute

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May – August 2026 Professional Development Courses

10% Discount for Alumni, Current and Former Faculty and Staff!
20% Discount for Current USC Students!

As we celebrate USC’s Journey to 100 and our USC Community!

Upcoming Courses

Overview of PDI

How PDI Tailors Learning to Your Needs

Course Completion Requirements

Grading System

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

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Upcoming Courses - Term III (September to December 2026)

September

October

November

TBA

Ongoing Courses - Term II (May to August 2026)

Guyana

Social Media and Corporate Video Production
CQF-L 6 | This Course is Offered Blended

Course Description

Social Media & Corporate Video Production is a practical, hands-on course designed to equip participants with the skills to create professional-quality video content for digital and corporate environments. Over six weeks, participants will learn how to plan, shoot, and produce engaging videos using accessible tools such as smartphones and cameras.

Ideal for content creators, marketing professionals, and individuals seeking to enhance their digital communication skills, the course covers key areas including pre-production planning, lighting, audio, filming techniques, and editing workflows. Participants will develop real-world competencies and complete a corporate-ready video project suitable for social media platforms and professional use.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Plan and structure effective video content for social media and corporate platforms
  • Capture high-quality visuals using smartphones and camera equipment
  • Apply appropriate lighting and audio techniques for professional results
  • Produce interviews, testimonials, and promotional video content
  • Deliver optimised video content for digital and corporate distribution


Content
Outline of the course structure:

  1. Planning & Pre-Production
  2. Camera & Smartphone Production
  3. Lighting & Audio Essentials
  4. Corporate Production Techniques
  5. Editing for Social & Corporate Platforms

 

About Instructor
Mr David Barker
Multimedia & Digital Marketing Specialist | Ten Strings Developmental Company

David Barker is a videographer, media producer and digital marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience in multimedia production, youth development and digital communications. As Founder and CEO of Ten Strings Developmental Company, he has led projects in video production, branding and digital strategy for regional organisations and public health campaigns. His expertise includes cinematography, digital marketing, content creation and media production for corporate and community-focused initiatives.

Why take this course?

  • Gain hands-on experience in producing professional video content using accessible tools
  • Learn industry-relevant techniques for social media and corporate video production
  • Build a portfolio-ready video suitable for professional and digital platforms
  • Enhance your skills for careers in media, marketing, and digital communication

Painting Mediums, Styles and Genres
CQF-L 6 | This Course is Offered In-Person

 

Course Description

This practical and engaging course introduces participants to the creative world of multimedia painting through hands-on studio activities, discussions, critiques, and guided experimentation with mixed media techniques. Designed for CSEC students, beginner painters, and art enthusiasts, the course explores water-based painting methods, collage techniques, texture development, and mixed media composition.

Participants will develop foundational artistic skills while learning to combine materials creatively to produce expressive and visually compelling artworks. The course also supports portfolio development, artistic confidence, and reflective practice, making it ideal for individuals interested in personal enrichment, therapeutic creativity, or future art studies. By the end of the course, participants will complete an original mixed-media painting project demonstrating their technical growth and creative identity.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Apply foundational mixed media painting techniques using a variety of materials and tools.
  • Analyse the role of texture, composition, and colour in visual storytelling.
  • Create original mixed-media artworks that demonstrate creativity and technical skill.
  • Evaluate artworks using appropriate artistic terminology and constructive critique methods.
  • Develop a portfolio-ready final project that reflects personal artistic growth and experimentation.

Content

Outline of the course structure:

  1.     Introduction to Painting Media
  2.     Understanding Texture and Composition
  3.     Collage and Mixed Media Techniques
  4.     Water-Based Painting Applications
  5.     Final Mixed Media Project and Critique


About Instructor

Mr Oliver Smith, BA (Fine Arts), Cert. Painting
Visual Arts Instructor / E.R. Burrowes School of Art

Oliver Smith is a Painting and Drawing Instructor with over 20 years of experience in visual arts education and creative practice. He currently teaches at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, where he specialises in painting and drawing techniques. Oliver is also a vocal instructor and sound engineer, combining his passion for the arts, music, and creative expression to inspire students and emerging artists.

Why take this course?

  • Develop practical, hands-on mixed media painting and collage skills.
  • Gain foundational knowledge of contemporary painting materials and techniques.
  • Build a portfolio-ready artwork suitable for academic or personal creative development.
  • Strengthen creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression through guided artistic practice.

Fundamentals of Video Editing
CQF-L 6 | This Course is Offered Virtually

Course Description

Fundamentals of Video Editing is a beginner-friendly, six-week course designed to introduce participants to the essential principles of video editing, storytelling, and production workflow. The course focuses on developing practical skills using industry-standard editing software, enabling learners to create polished, professional-quality video content.

Ideal for aspiring editors, content creators, and professionals working in media and communications, the course covers key areas such as editing techniques, narrative structure, social media formats, and basic audio and colour correction. Participants will engage in hands-on projects and assignments, culminating in a portfolio-ready final edit suitable for social media and corporate use.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain key video editing concepts, terminology, and techniques
  • Apply efficient workflow and media organisation practices
  • Use storytelling principles to create engaging video content
  • Produce platform-ready videos for social media and professional use
  • Apply basic audio enhancement and colour correction techniques

Content
Outline of the course structure:

  1. Editing Fundamentals
  2. Workflow & Organisation
  3. Storytelling & Interview Editing
  4. Social Media Editing Formats
  5. Audio & Colour

About Instructor
Mr David Barker
Multimedia & Digital Marketing Specialist | Ten Strings Developmental Company

David Barker is a videographer, media producer and digital marketing professional with more than 15 years of experience in multimedia production, youth development and digital communications. As Founder and CEO of Ten Strings Developmental Company, he has led projects in video production, branding and digital strategy for regional organisations and public health campaigns. His expertise includes cinematography, digital marketing, content creation and media production for corporate and community-focused initiatives.

Why take this course?

  • Gain practical, hands-on experience using industry-standard editing tools
  • Learn to create engaging, professional-quality video content
  • Build a portfolio-ready project for social media or corporate use
  • Develop skills relevant to careers in media, marketing, and content creation

Foundations of Vegetarian Cuisine
CQF-L 6 | This Course is Offered In-Person

Course Description

Foundations of Vegetarian Cuisine is an intensive, hands-on course designed to introduce participants to the principles and practices of plant-based cooking. Over two weeks, learners will explore the nutritional foundations of vegetarian diets while developing practical culinary skills in a professional kitchen environment.

Ideal for beginners, food enthusiasts, and individuals seeking to transition to plant-forward living, the course combines theory with daily kitchen labs. Participants will learn to prepare balanced vegetarian meals using local and international techniques, while gaining confidence in food preparation, meal planning, and flavour development. The course culminates in a final “Community Harvest” showcase, where participants present their culinary creations.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the nutritional principles of vegetarian diets, including protein pairing and essential nutrients
  • Apply safe kitchen practices and demonstrate fundamental culinary techniques
  • Prepare a variety of vegetarian dishes using diverse cooking methods
  • Design balanced and cost-effective plant-based meal plans
  • Demonstrate creativity and competence in producing complete vegetarian meals

 

Content
Outline of the course structure:

  1. Foundations of Vegetarian Cooking
  2. Plant-Based Proteins and Flavour Development
  3. Global and Caribbean Vegetarian Cuisine
  4. Advanced Plant-Based Cooking
  5. Culinary Application and Final Showcase

About Instructor 
Ms Lasandra Williams, BSc., Dip.Ed.

Lasandra Williams is a nutrition and culinary professional with more than 15 years of experience in food service management, catering and health-focused meal preparation. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science with an emphasis in Nutrition from Andrews University and a Diploma in Education from the University of the Southern Caribbean. Her expertise includes vegetarian and vegan cuisine, food operations management and large-scale catering coordination.

Why take this course?

  • Gain hands-on experience in preparing nutritious and flavourful vegetarian meals
  • Learn practical skills for transitioning to a plant-based or plant-forward lifestyle
  • Develop confidence in meal planning, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety
  • Build culinary skills applicable to personal, community, or professional settings

Drone Operations & Management

Course Description

This introductory course provides participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – UAV) operations, with a strong focus on Caribbean environments. It explores the fundamentals of flight planning, aerodynamics, safety, and payload management, while addressing regional challenges such as weather patterns, terrain, and airspace restrictions.

Designed for beginners and professionals seeking to enter the UAV field, the course combines theory with practical application through scenario-based exercises and mission planning activities. Participants will learn how to operate drones safely and efficiently while understanding the regulatory and environmental considerations unique to the Caribbean. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to plan and execute basic UAV missions with confidence and awareness.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Analyse flight planning requirements for UAV operations within Caribbean contexts
  • Apply key flight terminology and operational principles in real-world scenarios
  • Evaluate environmental and operational risks affecting drone performance
  • Design basic UAV mission plans incorporating safety and regulatory considerations
  • Assess the impact of payloads on UAV flight performance and operational efficiency

Content

Outline of the course structure:

  1.     Introduction to UAV Operations
  2.     Flight Planning and Airspace Awareness
  3.     Aerodynamics and Environmental Factors 
  4.     Safe Flight Operations
  5.     Payloads and Mission Execution

About Instructor

Mr Connell Byron Hunte, MSc, PGDip, BSc
Instructor, Department of Computer Science / The University of the Southern Caribbean

Connell Byron Hunte is a computing educator, technology consultant, and systems specialist with over 30 years of experience in information technology, software development, digital systems, and industrial chemistry. He currently lectures in Computer Science at the University of the Southern Caribbean, where he teaches software development, databases, cloud computing, and web technologies. Connell also consults in IoT systems, AI applications, digital transformation, and technology governance across the Caribbean.

Why take this course?

  • Gain practical, hands-on knowledge of drone operations and flight planning
  • Understand region-specific challenges affecting UAV use in the Caribbean
  • Develop foundational skills for entry into drone-related industries and services
  • Build confidence in safe, compliant, and effective UAV mission execution
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August

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Overview of PDI

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.

Course Completion Requirements

Successful completion of each course requires students to meet both the attendance and assignment requirements.

Students must complete:

  • at least 80% attendance, and
  • at least 80% of assigned coursework and assessments.

This means that students are expected to participate consistently in lectures, activities, discussions, and course assignments throughout the course. Students who do not meet the minimum attendance or assignment requirements may not be considered eligible for successful completion of the course or certification.

Grading Options: Pass/Fail or Letter Grade

Students have an individual choice between two grading options:

  • Pass/Fail
    or
  • Letter Grade

Students are required to indicate their preferred grading option by the stated deadline communicated during orientation.

Understanding the Pass/Fail Option

Under the Pass/Fail system:

  • students are evaluated based on whether they have satisfactorily met the course requirements,
  • numerical and letter grades are not reflected in the final result,
    and the final outcome is recorded simply as:
    • Pass
      or
    • Fail.

To receive a Pass, students must:

  • meet the attendance requirement,
  • complete the required assignments,
  • and demonstrate satisfactory understanding and participation in the course.


Understanding the Letter Grade Option

Students who choose the Letter Grade option will receive a formal academic grade based on their performance in course assignments and assessments.
The final letter grade is determined by:

  • the average of assignment grades,
  • participation and assessments where applicable,
  • and the weighting assigned by the course instructor.

The course instructor is responsible for:

  • grading assignments,
  • determining the value or weight of each assignment,
  • and calculating the cumulative final grade.

Grading System

The university uses a standardised grading system.

What the Grades Mean

Excellent (A / A-)

Students demonstrate:

  • excellent understanding of course content,
  • strong critical thinking and analysis,
  • evidence of extensive reading and preparation,
  • high levels of originality and problem-solving,
  • and exceptional performance independently or in groups.
 
 

Very Good (B+ / B / B-)

Students demonstrate:

  • very good understanding of course content,
  • strong analytical and communication skills,
  • evidence of substantial preparation,
  • creativity and problem-solving ability,
  • and effective independent or group work.
 
 

Satisfactory (C+ / C)

Students demonstrate:

  • acceptable understanding of course content,
  • some evidence of preparation and background reading,
  • acceptable analytical and communication skills,
  • and satisfactory participation in individual and group work.
 
 

Unsatisfactory (C-)

Students demonstrate:

  • limited understanding of course content,
  • little evidence of preparation,
  • weak analysis and communication,
  • and below-acceptable performance in coursework and participation.
 

Deficient (D)

Students demonstrate:

  • deficient understanding of course content,
  • absence of problem-solving and analytical skills,
  • poor communication and performance,
  • and difficulty functioning independently or collaboratively.
 

Unacceptable (F)

Students demonstrate:

  • failure to understand course material,
  • lack of participation and preparation,
  • inability to demonstrate required competencies,
  • and unacceptable overall performance.

Please write to the instructor, cc pdi@usc.edu, for clarification on any aspects of the course content, methodology and assessment.

PDI manages the record-keeping and issuance of certificates. Please write to pdi@usc.edu.tt for any additional information and/or clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these certificate courses?

Yes. A certificate course is a short-term, specialised programme designed to teach specific skills or provide expertise in a particular area. USC is 99 years old, and is the 3rd largest and 3rd highest ranked university in Trinidad and Tobago.

No, there is no registration fee for PDI courses.

No, there is no certificate fee.

No, there is no mailing fee. On successful completion of the course, PDI will ask you to reconfirm your full mailing address and your certificate will be mailed to you.

Yes, there are payment options based on the duration of the course. PDI will send you the payment options via email or whatsapp.

There are three methods:

  • By credit/debit card, via Aeorion, USC-PDI’s payment portal
  • By national or international wire transfer to USC’s account at Republic or Royal Bank in Trinidad
  • By deposit to USC’s account at Republic or Royal Bank in Trinidad and tobago

There are four delivery methods, viz:

  • Face-to-face or in-person classes on one of USC’s campus as published
  • Virtual classes on virtual platforms like Moodle or Zoom
  • Online, asynchronous classes where students study at their own pace
  • Hybrid or mixed-mode classes in which more than one delivery method is used during the class.

Most PDI courses do not have formal prerequisites. However, some advanced or specialised courses may recommend prior experience or foundational knowledge. Specific requirements, if any, will be listed in the course description.

  • Course Title
  • Start and end dates
  • Class days and times
  • Professional Development Hours (PDHs) – hours of classroom contact and assignments
  • Objectives and Learning Outcomes
  • Themes – these are some of the key themes/areas of focus in the course.
  • CQF Level – the CARICOM Qualifications Framework to which each course is pegged

Contact PDI

Tel: 1-868-662-2241 , 1-868-612-4872 Ext 1051
WhatsApp: 1-868-471-7272
E-mail: pdi@usc.edu.tt

The University of the Southern Caribbean

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