THE Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has opened the doors for every Guyanese, regardless of race, sex or economic standing, to make themselves marketable.

The focus seems to be on the oil and gas, construction, agricultural and manufacturing industries, all of which require persons with a specific skill set.

Since the start of the year, BIT has been pushing its training programmes. Dozens of soft and hard-skill courses are being offered to anyone 15 years and older.

The frequent graduation exercises have confirmed that thousands of persons from across the country are recognising the benefits of technical and vocational training and have decided to dedicate four to six months of their time, even if they are working or studying, to completing courses which could boost their qualifications or provide an immediate source of income.

What is noteworthy about these exercises is the number of women who are acquiring certification in non-conventional skills. Based on history and cultural norms, one would hardly expect a woman to take up training in tractor maintenance or heavy-duty machine operation. These are considered part of a man’s world, given their gruelling nature and the safety risks that are involved.

The pay for these types of skills are said to be reasonable and would no doubt be higher than those given to persons with desk jobs. They are particularly needed in the agricultural and oil and gas industries which are paths many are now deciding to take.

Guyanese are looking for avenues where they can earn more. In so doing, they are looking to develop skills that are in high demand.

The numbers coming out of the BIT programmes speak for themselves. Women are taking a firm stand and are showing the world that they can do anything; they can do any job, irrespective of the difficulties or the risks involved.

Their participation in these vocational training programmes are setting the stage for more women who long to be in the fields, who long to be more than just a housewife or a mother, to actually pursue careers that they are interested in without having to deal with negative reactions from their male counterparts.

“I witnessed the same amount of ladies as guys taking training in this particular programme, and it brought tears to my eyes because that indicates how far we, as women, have come to be a part of a male-dominated profession. I also hope that other ladies will make us proud,” were the words of Dionne Stoll, a certified heavy-duty equipment operator.

She recently graduated from the programme and what is even more commendable is that she is currently an engineering student at the University of Guyana. She plans to use her new knowledge to enhance her ability and expertise in the engineering field.

This is perhaps one of the smartest things someone can do. Many skills are intertwined, they complement each other. To make yourself more marketable, it is advisable that you have a variety of skills and this is what the BIT seeks to do for free.

There are other women who completed hard-skills programmes who have told stories similar to Dionne’s. While they were overcome with fear in the beginning, they said they were equally determined to complete their respective programmes.

Another noteworthy fact is the police’s appreciation of the training opportunity. In March, several ranks based in Bartica graduated from the heavy-duty machine operation programme. Some would question why someone trained to serve and protect would want to venture into such a field. However, for some of the ranks, it was part of fulfilling a childhood dream, while for other the focus was on learning a new talent and becoming well-rounded individuals.

In less than three years, the BIT has trained close to 8,000 persons across the country. Given the current trajectory, thousands more will be trained before the end of the year.

The government through BIT is demonstrating its commitment to building a skilled labour force to benefit from the country’s emerging industries and has signalled its intention to continue investing in human resources, so as to provide life-changing opportunities to every citizen.