AFTER undergoing three weeks of training, 29 hinterland network operators on Friday graduated in network operations, primarily transmission and distribution. The graduation ceremony was held at the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) Sophia branch.

The training which was focused on identifying and understanding transmission distribution and safety was organised through a collaborative effort of the Office of the Prime Minister and GPL.

The training which began on November 5 and concluded on Friday, attracted operators from Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and Mathews Ridge, Region One; St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Region Four; Moraikobai, Region Five; Orealla-Siparuta, Region Six; Mahdia, Region Eight; Lethem, Region Nine;  and Kwakwani, Region Ten.
Some of the areas the training dealt with were voltage, pole positioning and transformer connections. The trainees were also given a tour of GPL’s sub-station on Mandela Avenue.
GPL’s Training Manager, Stanislaus Ellis highlighted that this was only the first phase of the training, as the GPL team will be going into these areas to conduct reviews and further the training.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPL, Bharat Dindyal highlighted that more training is necessary and due to the short duration of the sessions, the trainees weren’t exposed to enough practical training. To facilitate further practical training in this respect, they will be attached to GPL teams to get the necessary exposure.
He added that the power company will continue to support such training interventions and expressed hope that the operators will return to their communities and contribute by demonstrating what they have learnt and implement it in their work places.
Also present at the ceremony was Prime Minster Samuel Hinds, who advised the graduands that this was just the beginning and that there was still a long road ahead.
He congratulated the graduands and encouraged them to return to their respective communities and pass on their skills and to carry out their functions effectively at their work places using what they learnt from the training as guidance.
He encouraged them to elevate themselves by doing some additional reading not only in their field but also in the wider range of electrification education.

(GINA)