Students of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, or NATI, were today urged to exercise discipline and commitment in their respective areas of training, as the institution welcomed its 2026–2027 cohort of 251 new students.

The 251 new students were welcomed to NATI during an orientation ceremony attended by continuing students, parents, lecturers, and members of the Board of Governors.

The students are enrolled in programmes including welding, motor vehicle repairs, masonry, plumbing, computer science, furniture making, electrical installation, commerce, and the Diploma in Science, among others.

Deputy Director of the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Krishn Sharma, reminded the students of the important role they will play in Guyana’s rapidly transforming economy, where there is growing demand for skilled technical and vocational workers.

He told the students that developing a disciplined attitude from the outset will help foster a strong culture of safety in the workplace.

“You are here to fine tune yourself, for you to be taken to another level of life. A discipline life whereby you will be in demand. Do you know there some workers who know the job well, the CEO of companies will tell you that they rather work with a man who is not so skilled but have the right attitude than to work with one who is very skilled and attitude is crazy,” he said.

NATI Principal Fiona Rassoul says the institute has, over the years, produced skilled graduates who have gone on to contribute to the growth of businesses, pursue higher education, and make meaningful contributions to Guyana and beyond.

With the new cohort, she hopes this tradition of excellence and contribution will continue.

“We are here to continue that tradition and you are part of it. Technical and Vocational Education is a powerful pathway to employment, entrepreneurship, further education and lifelong learning. The skills you develop here have real value but the opportunities they create will depend on how seriously you approach your training,” she said.