Technical Institute puts students’ work on display

by Eldonté Samuel

The Kingstown Technical Institute (KTI), hosted a Skills City Showcase on Thursday, November 7, 2024, intended to enlighten the public about the Technical Vocational Education Training options that it offers as a part of TVET month of celebrations through the month of November.

Space-savers and mini-houses crafted by students in the woodworks programme

Being highlighted was work done by students in the programmes- Electrical Installation, Plumbing, Woodwork, Technical Drawing, Home Economics, and Clothing and Textile.

At the electrical exhibit, viewers were given a tour by students of the different components that work together in electrical circuits, and how multiple switches can control one light bulb.

The plumbing exhibit, though slightly similar, had a lot more parts and concepts to understand. From the different types of tools needed for specific fixtures, to the concept of how a toilet flushes and refills, the programme seemed to be well thought out to develop the next set of plumbers.

At the Home Economics booth, viewers were exposed to information about the value of proper home planning and budgeting, key life skills that teach students how to use what they have and make something of it. On display, was a well-made bed made using desks, in a mock living room, which had decor using inexpensive materials.

Next door to the Home Economics booth was the Clothing and Textile display room, which showed students’ work in tie-dye, fashion pieces made from scratch, pillows, and sketches. The programme focuses on understanding what fashion entails with its use of colours and ‘wack’ ideas.

At the wood work exhibit, there were multiple pieces of wooden furniture made by students, such as stools, mini houses, space-savers, and other wooden materials for a range of uses.

Serving as a fundamental for other technical courses was Technical Drawing, which deals with the field of maths and measurements. The detail-focused programme looks to build the next generation of architects and engineers with its adoption of the use of technology, which has dramatically cut the time to produce a design.

The showcase was a spectacle of skills by young students eager to take advantage of the benefit of being skilled in a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programme as the world currently demands more skilled workers.

The Ministry of Education will be hosting a series of activities this month under the theme “Advancing youth employability through TVET Digitisation.”

So far, they have crossed off multiple items, including their Skills City Showcase. Next up will be the National Schools Science and Technology Fair, which started yesterday, Monday, November 11, 2024 and will culminate on Friday, November 15, 2024.

A public speaking competition is set for Wednesday, November 20, between five technical institutes. The following day, Thursday, November 21, will be a TVET Symposium at the Methodist Church Hall. To wrap things up, on Friday, November 21, there will be a TVET exhibition featuring work from students across SVG’s technical institutes, as well as industry professionals.