KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, says the Government is working to transform technical schools into strong academies that will better prepare students for the workplace.

“The ministry of education is on a drive to ensure that our young people, who graduate from school, have a strong basis in technical studies because that is taking the swing in the world,” he said.

He was speaking at the 120th anniversary church service for the Kingston Technical High School (KTHS) held today (January 6), at the Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in downtown Kingston.

The minister noted that students should be proud to attend technical high schools, as these institutions offer the job skills that are highly demanded by employers.

Describing KTHS as the “gem” of educational institutions in Central Kingston, the education minister noted that many graduates have excelled in society locally and abroad.

“You are a strong school speaking with even greater relevance than many other schools, to the opportunities for employment and purposeful work in the Jamaica of the 21st century,” he said.

The minister said he is pleased to hear of those students, who are planning a career in information technology, auto mechanics, construction and in many other technical fields.

“These are as legitimate, valid and important professions as any doctor, any lawyer,” he pointed out.

The minister, who is also member of parliament for Central Kingston, implored the students not to waste their educational opportunities at KTHS, noting that attending the school “is the big chance in your life.”

“Your corner is dark if you don’t get a good education anywhere in the world, and when you get a good education, it is something that is beyond value,” he stressed.

The mission of the KTHS is to contribute to the total development of students, parents and staff through the provision of a rounded secondary education and socialisation.