By Elvin Carl Croker

STUDENTS of the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) showcased their handy work when the centre held its annual public awareness day on Wednesday.
GITC Principal, Dexter Cornette, said the exercise offers to the students an opportunity to showcase samples of their work to the public.

He noted that the students would share out flyers and interact with the public since it is the period when enrollment for the centre is done.

“So we think it was a good idea to go out there and to meet people as they pass especially by this being a school zone, we think it is a good opportunity for us to get the message out there of what GITC is about,” the principal told Guyana Chronicle.

The event was conveniently held just beyond the fence of the centre on Woolford Avenue under the theme, “Providing opportunity through training”.

Many children from the nearby schools visited and were edified about many of the items on display.

On display were items taught in furniture making, electrical installation, motor vehicle repairs, metal work engineering, Masonry, plumbing, welding and data operations.
Shane Hyles, a motor vehicle repairs student related that he decided to take the trade seriously after his uncle died.

He related that he used to help his uncle in his mechanic shop and felt obligated to continue his uncle’s trade.

GITC has as its mission to provide basic and professional training through the use of relevant technologies and methodologies to develop competencies in individuals to meet labour market needs.

Its purpose is to give significant meaning to education by relating training to specific occupational goals. In the process, it is hoped that students develop the knowledge, skills, ability, attitudes and work habits that will contribute to their future employment and a successful, satisfying and productive life.

Persons at least 15 years old are eligible to join the centre full-time and those 18 years for evening classes. For all courses, applicants must have either successfully completed the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) or completed Grade 10 at a secondary school.

GTIC seeks to provide access to quality training of international standards to develop competencies of
individuals to meet labour market in local, regional and globally competitive environments.
Students attending the centre receive a monthly stipend while all full-time trainees are attached to an industry for a period of seven weeks as part of the curriculum. They are also insured against accidents while attending classes.