The Education Ministry on Wednesday commissioned a computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory at Zeeburg Secondary School, thereby completing the first phase of an initiative to modernise and improve digital skills, as it relates to the delivery of industrial technology education in secondary schools.
At a total cost of $85 million, six secondary schools nationwide were outfitted with air-conditioned spaces equipped with high-powered laptops, peripheral hardware and AutoCAD software.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Dr Ritesh Tularam emphasised that technical training must evolve beyond basic manual skills.
“In today’s rapidly changing world, technical education is no longer simply about learning how to operate tools and equipment,” Dr Tularam said. “It is about developing the knowledge, creativity, digital competencies and problem-solving abilities needed to design solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.”
He noted that the laboratory enables students to “move from an idea in their imagination to a precise digital design that can be developed, tested, modified and eventually transformed into a physical product or structure.”
However, speaking at Tuesday’s launch of the CAD lab at North Ruimveldt Secondary School, Education Minister, Sonia Parag highlighted the broader policy behind expanding TVET. She noted that the investment equips students with advanced tools comparable to those used internationally.
“You are literally a part of history in technical and vocational education and training,” Minister Parag posited. She noted too that the practical software training prepares students to make their own contributions as architects and builders of major national infrastructure.
“You are no longer just doing technical drawing as we know it. You are using technology to create 3D designs that allow you to become the architects and engineers who will build our country.”
The Minister also made a direct call for increased female participation, urging more girls to enter and excel in engineering and design fields.
Additionally, the new facilities directly support students preparing for Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Industrial Technology assessments. Candidates in subjects such as Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing can now create digital drawings, 3D spatial models and structural blueprints on workstations rather than traditional drafting boards.
Zeeburg Secondary joins North Ruimveldt Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, Bygeval Secondary, Hope Secondary and New Amsterdam Multilateral School as the six schools outfitted under the GY$85 million investment.
The Ministry of Education is working to expand TVET subjects across all secondary schools, with the hope that every child will exit the school system proficient in at least one technical or vocational skill.
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