TWO hundred and seventy-six persons, on Wednesday last, graduated after completing training under the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and Single Parent Programme. 

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that under the youth empowerment programme, 247 youths benefited from training of which 54 have already gained employment, while four have advanced to further training.

The youths were exposed to training in 17 occupational training areas at 49 training locations. Among the graduates were 70 Engineers, 36 Welders, 19 Mechanics, 15 joiners, and 60 in Home Economics. BIT also collaborated with the Ministry of Health and 65 persons benefited from training in the area of health services through this collaboration.  Training was done at hospitals and health centres.
Meanwhile, 29 persons graduated from the Single Parent programme, 15 of them in garment construction, while eight completed training in the area of cosmetology and six in catering.
Trainer, Colin Langford, speaking at the event at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, noted that the initiative is indeed a tremendous success, adding that several persons coming out of the programme have managed to start their own businesses, contributing to society and generally living better lives. He said the vocational training programme should be commended for its responsibility of empowering single parents, as well as the thousands of youths who have benefited thus far.
President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Roopnarine, lauded the youth empowerment and single-parent programmes in reducing unemployment, while also bettering the lives of single parents. He encouraged personal independence and entrepreneurship among the young graduates, as well as the single parents.
Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul was impressed with the rapid growth of the programme which is undoubtedly making an impact on the economic well-being of Guyanese in the various administrative regions. The Labour Minister also stressed the importance of the BIT initiative in tackling unemployment.

He acknowledged however, that the issue of unemployment is by no means unique to Guyana, since the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is also seeking to manage this issue in even the developed countries. “Our programme is geared at assisting every single youth who wants that opportunity, and I think it is because of that we must recognise the role of central government in this regard.”
The minister noted that the programmes are relevant to the needs of Guyana and are aimed at benefiting all persons interested, who would have not, for one reason or another, been successful at secondary school.
Dr Gopaul noted that many of the persons were able to secure employment after the training, and urged them not to stop there, but to use this as a stepping stone for further training and development.
“You are trained not only to acquire a certificate, but to perform on the job. It is important as well that you are multi-skilled so you should try to benefit from further training to continually meet the demands of the job market,” he posited.
Referring to numerous ways in which Government has created opportunities for human resources development, Dr. Gopaul urged the young persons and single mothers to explore opportunities to become entrepreneurs, as “you don’t have to be born to riches, you can reach something in life if you are determined to make it the honest and dedicated way. Resist unbecoming activities to get things and move forward with your goals. I did it…and so could you”
Despite the additional training and support that are available through the BIT programme, youths are encouraged to capitalise on the nursery, primary and secondary education systems which are affordable and free to all Guyanese.
The BIT initiative is a demonstration of Government’s long-standing vision for the creation of job opportunities for young people and empowering women. The programme is also recognised as critical in dealing with the issue of child labour, since it provides for out-of-school drop-outs an opportunity for a second chance to be schooled.
During 2013, a total of 2,292 youths have thus far benefited from training in over 50 different trades and technical and vocation skills.
Some of these include engineering, electrical installation, building construction, health services, home economics, Information Technology, clerical and forestry. Overall, a total number of 12,697 people benefited from training under the programme since its inception in 2005. Earlier this month, 29 youths graduated at Bartica, Region 7, while another 429 graduated at the Leonora Technical Training Centre, Region 3.