The Ministry of Education is expanding access to modern technical education by commissioning a new AutoCAD Laboratory at the New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School.

The new facility is part of an $85 million effort to establish specialised computer laboratories for Industrial Technology at six secondary schools.

It will provide students with practical training in computer-aided design and expose them to digital skills relevant to engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and other sectors.

The initiative advance’s the Ministry of Education’s continued investment in technical education, with more focus on providing students with relevant skills and competencies to participate meaningfully in a changing economy.

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tularam, who delivered the feature address on behalf of Education Minister Sonia Parag, said the investment reflects the ministry’s commitment to quality, relevance and equity in technical education.

“AutoCAD is more than a computer-aided design programme. It is a powerful tool for creativity, precision, innovation and problem-solving. It allows our students to take an idea from imagination, from visualisation and translate that into technical drawing, a design, and ultimately a practical solution,” Dr Tularam said.

He said the facility will help move technical and vocational education beyond traditional approaches by introducing new technologies, encouraging innovation, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and meaningful production.

Additionally, Dr Tularam noted that students will develop competencies applied across several fields, particularly as Guyana continues to experience economic and infrastructural development and greater demand for technically skilled workers.

“Education cannot remain static while technology, industries and the nature of work continue to evolve. Our responsibility is to ensure that our education and training systems equip young people with the knowledge, competencies and confidence required to participate meaningfully in the economy of today and to lead the economy of tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer, Satish Udit, said the facility is an important investment in preparing students for a technology-driven world.

He said computer-aided design allows students to transform concepts into precise digital designs and practical solutions, while encouraging critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

The Headmaster of New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary School, Wahid Omar, said the laboratory will be accessible to students from Grades 7 to 13, as well as students from neighbouring schools pursuing technical education.

He explained that students from neighbouring schools will be able to coordinate their timetables to access the facility for subjects including Industrial Technology and Technical Drawing, with instructors provided to support the programme.

The facility is expected to serve as a technical education hub for students across the New Amsterdam area, further broadening access to modern digital skills and practical learning opportunities.