Technical Education Centre at Stonington was by no means overlooked. Fortified with equipment rivalling that of any first-class commercial operation, the Centre avails its students significant new opportunities easy transition to those interested in further training. And according to Kelson Smith, Associate Dean, Applied Studies, the student-oriented curriculum is just as impressive.

"It's part of a continuing process to equip this facility and to upgrade,'' he said. "We're looking to re-establish input through both the employer and advisory groups. The key aspect is to make it competency-based so that at the end of the day, graduates will be able to do A, B, C, and D.'' At 25,000-square-feet with shop space for ten automobiles, the Centre now caters to 44 full-time and 70 part-time students but can handle as many as 150 full-time and offers something to suit every skill and meet every need. "We currently offer a certificate level programme in autobody repair, automechanics, airconditioning and refrigeration, electronics and building construction, which encompasses plumbing and carpentry,'' said Mr. Smith. "We also offer two associate degree programmes -- science (electronics) and electronics technical and all of the programmes, apart from the actual area of specialisation, include math, science, technical drawing and writing courses.'' The science course, he explained, is designed more towards those wishing to further their studies elsewhere, while the technology course will place those wishing to immediately enter the workforce, on an advanced footing. "In many cases we are tied to (UK qualifications) City & Guilds, but not exclusively. In some cases we also use the North American standard.'' The manner in which students are taught is also changing to help realise that mission, he added. "Our objective is to change the way we operate -- to become a more student-centred as opposed to instructor-centred facility. At present, their classes for say, airconditioning and refrigeration, have someone making a presentation to all the students at the same time. A student-centred programme would allow students more flexibility in the process of learning through CD Rom, CAD, etc. so that students can be in the room at the same time but working on different portions of material. This should be in place by September of 1997 and will allow more flexibility in the way students are approached and how they gain skills and knowledge.'' The first-rate Centre is designed with the physically-challenged in mind as well, he said. "This is a tremendous improvement in facilities. It's excellent compared to what we had before. The autobody repair area facility, for example, is as good as any that can be found on the Island (commercially), the building is more purpose-built and more flexible, also it's very convenient to have everything in a self-contained unit instead of spread over a few blocks.'' PHOTO Students Kimo Grant, Chris Robinson, Judi Munro and Steven DeSilva prepare a time capsule for burial Kelson Smith Celebrations galore MINI SUPPLEMENTS SUP