Barama puts $4.6M into apprenticeship training at ETI
THE Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), in a move  to ensure students gain practical work experience, signed a $ 4.6M apprenticeship agreement with Barama Company Limited on Thursday last. The sum covers the expenses for a two-year programme to benefit some 30 students.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh, speaking at the signing in the ETI auditorium, at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast, lauded Barama’s support to push Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and appealed to other corporate entities to do similarly in other regions.
He said the Education Ministry has been paying keen attention to the development of TVET, as this area can play a vital role in transforming the lives of early school leavers.
The ETI programme affords students the opportunity to learn skills that will make them employable, as well, following the introduction, earlier this year, of an entrepreneurship education scheme for TVET students, to equip them to establish and manage their own businesses.
Mr. Baksh disclosed that the Government is also constructing a technical institute at Mahaicony, in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice); another at Leonora, in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) and has started preparatory work for the establishment of a skills training centre at Lethem, in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).
He said these projects are geared to increase access to skills training throughout the country and aid in the development of a skilled labour force to meet the needs of enterprises and industries.
In addition, Baksh said the initiatives pave the way for students, who are technically inclined, to realise their full potential and positively contribute to national development.

MODERNISATION DRIVE
He added that, given the acceleration of development in Guyana, more TVET students will be needed in the coming years to maintain the rate of the modernisation drive.
Baksh challenged the ETI to significantly improve its current student population of 200 in the next five years, so that it can play an impacting role in the development process.
The minister commended the Region 2 Administration for its management of education delivery and development and noted that unlike the other regions, it has been one step ahead of the game.
He is also hopeful that, as the apprenticeship programme expands, Barama will increase its support for the initiative.
Barama’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Clement Ooi, said the company is proud to be part of the plan which is in keeping with its vision for people, operations and marketing.
He also reiterated the company’s support for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and said the entity will continue to be an able partner in national development.
Region 2 Chairman Ali Baksh added his praise to the programme, pointing out that it would allow students to acquire valuable work experience.
ETI Principal Michael Turner, said the model apprenticeship is a huge boost in terms of encouraging students to pursue studies in TVET. Shortly after the formalities, several students, who were part of a six-week work/study attachment at Barama received certificates.