Technical education teachers urged to pursue further training

Wed, Mar 5th 2014, 12:03 PM

High school technical teachers were recently urged to ensure they are knowledgeable about the latest advances in their fields of study from the Dean of Construction Trades at The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Alexander Darville.
Darville told the public school teachers during a professional development workshop that they could not rely on the Ministry of Education to do everything. As instructors he told the teachers that they should always be on the cutting edge of what is happening in the world. As an example, he said an instructor should never say they should not say they could not use an air gun because he likes to use a hammer. He told the teachers that they are the ones preparing students for industry and the work world, and as such they should ensure they are trained.
The workshop that focused on BTVI's role in preparing students for construction and technical trades, student pre-requisite standards and program readiness was held at C.C. Sweeting Senior School. The workshop's theme was, "Designing pathways to the future -- Establishing standards at each level."
Teachers represented government schools that offer technical courses in electrical installation, carpentry, drafting/autocad, plumbing, electronics, auto mechanics, auto body repair, and air-conditioning and refrigeration.
Darville also told the teachers that there was a need for an alignment between high schools and BTVI.
"All the subject matter experts need to bridge the gap. It is far over due to have a relationship with BTVI," he said.
The Ministry of Education's senior education officer for technical studies, Trevor Ferguson, supported Darville's sentiments.
"I agree with you 100 percent that it is far past time to forge a relationship. BTVI is our premier technical and vocational institution and we are the 'nursery' for the training. We need the relationship to take our students to the next level," said Ferguson.
During his recommendations, Darville suggested that all technical instructors should complete the international 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification.
He said that as subject experts, they should also sit at the table when planning the curriculum, a suggestion that meet with applause from the teachers.
The workshop was the opportunity to strategically plan, coordinate and implement efforts for the benefit of the present and future generations of technical workers. Darville said that at BTVI, the goal is to empower students to not only prepare for the world of work, but to also become entrepreneurs.

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