ONE hundred and two youths were on Friday given a second chance to earn a certificate, thereby making themselves more marketable in the world of work.Fifty four students secured distinctions, while 29 amassed passes with credit.

The opportunity was given through the collaborative effort between the Board of Industrial Training, and the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre(UCITC), located at Corriverton in Berbice, where those aged 16 years and over, inclusive of 35 females, sought after and acquired skills in nine disciplines.
The areas of study were Automotive Electrical , Heavy Duty Machinery operator, Information Technology, Metal Work, Carpentry and Joinery, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Welding and Fabrication, Supervisory Management, and Electrical Installation and Refrigeration .
In his report, UCITC Administrator Mr. Azad Sugrim observed that there had been a gradual decline of persons who attended evening classes at the training centre , through the mainstream Ministry of Education programme. As a result of the administration’s concern, it was observed that while persons were willing to access the various programmes offered, some were denied time off from their respective jobs, while others found it difficult to access transportation “after hours.”
Consequently, the concerns were raised with the main stakeholders, and it was proposed that learning sessions be held on Saturdays.
This empowerment class commenced in October 2014 and concluded five months later after students had completed 144 hours of course work.
Meanwhile, in his feature address and charge, Hon. Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, urged the graduands not to allow their certificates to be the last they will achieve.
“One never stops learning. One never stops acquiring new skills .You have your destiny, use the skills acquired to improve your life and do not let this certificate be the last you achieve.”
While giving an analogy of the success story of international sprinter Usain Bolt, the minister noted that success comes through effort, sacrifice and pain .
“Success don’t come by way of a stroll in the park. Behind stories of success are stories of perseverance , and you ought to learn from those stories, as success will not come automatically.”
Turning to the current election campaign, Singh said: “We are in a season that many will promise you everything under this sun. It is as if the world will take care of you. You do not have to work, you will rake back in your hammocks and the world will pamper you. You will get free transportation, free food, free house lots.

“But the Government of Guyana does not want Guyanese to live in freeness, a free salary without work. The truth is, that is not the Guyana we want. The Guyana that we want to emerge is the Guyana that empowers people who have the skill and the wherewithal to be independent, so they can earn for themselves, their communities and their country.
“What we will do is not to offer you freeness, but an opportunity to equip yourself, so that you don’t have to depend on freeness,” he chided.
Other speakers included Mr Patrick Findlay ,Permanent Secretary ,Ministry of Labour , who brought greetings from the Hon Minister of Labour Mr Nandkishore Gopaul, and also took the opportunity of reminding the beneficiaries of government’s investment in youth empowerment.
The programme, which commenced 20 minutes after its 1300hrs scheduled start , was punctuated by poetic expressions and songs by various trainees.
The two-hour programme was consummately chaired by Industrial Relations Officer / Community Development Officer, Mr. Linden Murray.
Among those in attendance Mr N Persaud, Vice Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training, and other staffers, Representatives of various training institutions and other special invitees.