Story and photos by Michael Khan

AS part of its 52nd anniversary celebrations, the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) held an open-day on campus where teachers, students and members of the public had the opportunity to tour the facility and interact with students and lecturers.

The event which took place last Thursday, attracted many educators and students from across Berbice.

According to the NATI principal, Fiona Rassoul, the activity presented an opportunity for the public and prospective students to learn about the programmes that are offered at the institution and to familiarise themselves with the layout of the campus.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Rassoul said that selecting a professional route or a post-secondary institution can have a significant impact on an individual’s future.

“People can choose a field of study that will equip them with employable skills, while they receive guidance information. At NATI, they will be able to determine with certainty if here is the best place to enhance their learning capacity,” she said.

Those in attendance were afforded the opportunity to visit the science laboratory, the academic building, and the trade workshops across the campus.

Computer Science lecturer, Ardith Conway, spoke in detail about the comprehensive diploma programme that the institution offers.

“Our programme includes computer science, data operations, and mathematics. Over the years we have had a high success rate, and we continue to work towards achieving higher goals within our department,” she said.

Competency-based Training (CBT) is an approach to vocational education, and training that places emphasis on what a person can do in a workplace after completing a programme.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays an integral role in the successes of students at NATI. In the areas of machinery, plumbing, electrical installation, automotive repairs, welding, carpentry and joinery, the institution has produced a number of outstanding students who went on to pursue higher tertiary education.

Lecturers Dinesh Roopnarine (automotive repairs) and Shonessa Griffith-Franklin (plumbing), as well as technician, Azoomah Alfred (carpentry), were among those who offered insights to the visitors.

Meanwhile, many prospective students who attended the event were elated to learn about the various courses offered at the technical institute.

Shimeeka Murray said: “I am definitely going to speak with my parents. After I complete my CSEC exams in 2024, I would like to study here.”

Another fifth former in attendance, Troy Davis, stated that he wants to become a machinist, and NATI is the institution of his choice for 2024.

“I come from a middle-income family, and it won’t be expensive to do an initial two-year full time course here before acquiring a job and returning to do the advanced courses during the evenings,” he reasoned.

Akeem Sinclair, Susan Grant, Seelochnie Gobin, and Anella Singh, were among the other students who expressed a desire to attend NATI after completing the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations next year.