Lecturer lauds technological advances in Institute’s training programme

November has been declared ‘Technical Vocational Education Training Month’ by the Ministry of Education, and this year’s theme is “Advancing youth employability through TVET Digitisation.”

At the technical drawing lab of the Kingstown Technical Institute (KTI), Garvey Best, the Head of the Construction Department, discussed how technology is being integrated into their training programmes. He highlighted the importance of being open to change, noting that tasks that once took two weeks can now be completed in just minutes, thanks to technological advancements.

The lab is divided into two areas, one equipped with computers, and the other showcasing traditional tools used in the field. Best acknowledged that while technology enhances learning, investing in tech tools can be quite expensive, which might deter some students. However, he emphasised the rewards that come from pushing through these challenges.

Best stressed the high demand for skilled workers in today’s job market, but he also mentioned that students need to be motivated and proactive about their development.

“If a lot of people moved towards this skilled area, they would not get the mercy of anybody telling them they can only work if they do this or don’t do this. You work in your time.” he asserted.

The walls of the computer room are adorned with digital designs and artwork created by students. These visuals represent potential careers which many students are exploring as they decide on their interests.

Pointing to the wall Best explained, “all these are associated with what happens in here. CAD is the software. Architects and engineers are possibilities. We use computers- skills, you can’t go wrong with that.”

He also explained that technical drawing lays the groundwork for various skilled trades, including plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work; the institute provides training in all these areas.

“We are multifaceted here, we do the secondary schools, evening programmes, we do other day programmes besides school.”

SEARCHLIGHT spoke with two students from the programme about their future aspirations. Murigo Francios, a Form 5 student from the Thomas Saunders Secondary School, expressed his desire to become an architect, and Hannah Archivell, who is homeschooled at the same level, shared her interest in structural engineering, “mainly for financial stability, but also I think innovation is really good and it’s a necessity as the world evolves and I want to be a part of it”.

Archivell said she loves working with numbers and angles, and finds the course manageable, but acknowledged that some aspects require extra effort. She finds great satisfaction in seeing her designs come to life and advised future students to “come with the mentality that you have lots of work to do”.

“If you pay attention and are focused then it’s not as hard but know if you miss one lesson, you miss a lot,” she added.