THE Heavy Duty Operator Training Programme, coordinated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), has been further boosted with the services of a bobcat secured by the Ministry of Labour.
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir, with assistance from the Enhanced Public Trust Security and Inclusion Project (EPTSI) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), purchased the equipment from Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM).
The bobcat will be presented to the Region Six Upper Corentyne Heavy Duty Operator Programme, and is an addition to the two other bobcats purchased by the government in 2008.
Minister Nadir stated that the first two bobcats were purchased to establish the Heavy Duty Training Programme in Linden, while the new equipment will be utilised at the Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Programme.
He noted that the bobcat was procured at a cost of $6M and comes complete with loading bucket, backhoe and level blade.
The Minister stressed that the programme, which lasts six to eight months, is as desirable as those in Essequibo, Linden and Georgetown.
“There is a great demand for heavy duty operators and other skilled people. The market is short of skills, so we are pleased with this programme which prepares skilled workers for the work force,” the Labour Minister said.
EPTSI Project Manager Trevor Clark commented that UNDP’s motivation is the development of youths and building an environment where they can contribute to society.
He added that the overall goal is assisting persons in securing jobs which can contribute to their economic uplift and stability.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Alana Brassington, said the equipment will be utilised in other regions with the expansion of the Heavy Duty Operator Programme based on responses of participants.
The Heavy Duty Training Programme is one of the many disciplines offered by BIT, including office clerk, technician, cosmetologists, joinery, auto mechanic, plumbing, carpentry, welding, electrical and computer repairs. (GINA)