THE Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) celebrated its 11th anniversary with a career day and fair on Tuesday. The Principal, Mr. Michael Turner, in an address to students, parents and Government officials, said the occasion comes at a time when the institution is at the crossroad of development.
He said it has achieved much during the past 11 years and can, today, celebrate vocational and technical training.
Turner noted that ETI was born out of the minds of great men who are from the soil of the ‘Cinderella County’ and he mentioned former Education Minister, Dr Dale Bisnauth and the previous Regional Chairman, now Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Mr. Alli Baksh, two Essequibians responsible for the birth.
Turner reported that, over the past 11 years, 595 students graduated, while 3,081 were trained in specific courses and 1,876 pursued the two-year training programme.
He said one of the notable achievements of ETI is the construction of the student dormitory which will see its population increasing over the coming months.
Turner also disclosed that ETI has its own water treatment plant which will go into operation shortly and some other plans would see the erection of a 12,816 square feet building to cater for three additional workshops and six classrooms where Physics and Chemistry will be taught.
He revealed that another memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed with Caricom Rice Mills, through which graduates can secure  employment under an entrepreneurial scheme.
President of the Essequibo Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Tiwari Ramkellawan said the celebratory event was a partnership between young people and the business community.
MORE JOBS
He said the new development in the country is creating a strong opportunity for more jobs and the career day and fair was an ideal chance for young people to make wise choices.
Some of the entities taking part in the job exposition were MACORP, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Bumper to Bumper Service, Caricom Rice Mills, the Technical and Business Department of ETI and Barama Company Limited.
Scores of students from other schools and residents flocked the booths and interacted with those concerned with employment opportunities.
Also in attendance were other members of the School Board, Mr. Wilton Isaacs and Vice-President of the PTA, Pastor Ally.