THE Government Technical Institute (GTI) on Thursday hosted an open day dubbed “Taste of the Trades Day 2019” under the theme, “Refuelling the future.”
The event was attended by scores of students and was held at the institution’s Woolford Avenue, Georgetown centre. Students were able to be part of career talks, view exhibits of fellow students and leading businesses/ organisations in Guyana.

Commercial and Lubricants Manager of SOL Guyana Inc., Ayanna Watson, said SOl specialises in powering the future and it is for this reason the company was happy to share its expertise and knowledge with students. “We owe it to the next generation, to provide them with access to the education, equipment and facilities that can propel them to greater achievement. By our investment in their education therefore, we are literally fuelling the future,” Mrs. Watson said.

She said that the company’s success depends on people working across a varied career spectrum, much of which will be of interest to students at GTI.
The Commercial and Lubricants Manager said programmes such as building and civil engineering, principles of commerce and administration, computer science, and electrical or mechanical engineering, can all prepare students for a rewarding and fulfilling future career with SOl.

“Those pursuing the fields of electrical, mechanical, building and civil engineering will find exciting career opportunities available here with us, especially as it relates to situations where engineering meets construction,” she said.

She challenged the students to focus not just on proficiency in their academics and training, but to also develop other life skills that will contribute to their future success. “I speak here of cultivating a positive attitude, respectful demeanour and deportment. Always strive, thrive [sic] to be courteous, diligent, dedicated and dependable, and know that with these additional skills further equip you on your way to success,” Mrs. Watson noted.

Meanwhile, General Manager of STARR Computer, Rehman Majeed, said with the evolution of technology smart devices such as robots, 3D Printing, Drones, IoT (Internet of Things) and a host of other new devices are being driven by computers powered by AI software.
At the STARR booth, where there is a small 3D printer, Mr. Majeed explained to the students that 3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.

He told students that creation of a 3D printed object is achieved by using additive processes. In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created.
He said that 3D printing can produce complex (functional) shapes, using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. The general manager noted that the process all starts with the creation of a 3D model in the computer.

He explained that this digital design is for instance a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file. A 3D model is either created from the ground up with 3D modelling software, or based on data generated with a 3D scanner. With a 3D scanner you’re able to create a digital copy of an object.

He noted that 3D printing can be divided into metal, fabrics, bio and a whole host of other industries. For this reason, it’s important to see it as a cluster of diverse industries with a myriad of different applications.

Further, the Guyana Police Force booth was also flocked by enthusiastic students, who were told that transforming their minds is a key ingredient for development. Hence, personal transformation is a prerequisite for development of self, positive changes within families, communities, institutions, and the nation.

The force’s booth received scores of visits from students, who were given first- hand demonstration of how the various equipment and safety gear are used.
Some of the main attractions within the Police booth were Narcotics, Crime Scene, Traffic and Immigration. The Police Public Relations Department and the Felix Austin Police College were also in attendance.