IN a bid to modernise and enhance accessibility to training and upskilling opportunities, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in Guyana convened with representatives from the renowned online learning platform, Coursera.

The virtual meeting aimed at fostering partnerships between the two entities to offer tailored programmes and courses to individuals seeking to expand their skill sets.

BIT officials revealed that discussions during the meeting primarily revolved around avenues for collaboration, including the customisation of programmes, adaptation of self-paced courses, ensuring course completion, time-bound licences, and exploring mechanisms for offline course access.

The focus of the pilot programme will be on soft skills pertinent to Heavy Duty Equipment Operation (HDEO), Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Plumbing, General Building Construction, Welding and Fabrication, Masonry, and Furniture Making.

Coursera, represented by a team including Mateo Samper, Head of Government Partnerships for Ibero-America, Nicole Amaral, Principal Solution Consultant, Manuela Histrenoza, Implementation Manager, and Jeff Kaplan, Customer Success Manager, expressed their commitment to collaborating with BIT to provide quality learning experiences.

The online platform, known for its extensive array of courses, degrees, and certificate programmes from universities worldwide, has been actively partnering with various Guyanese entities over the years.

These partnerships, including collaborations with government agencies such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Ministry of Public Service, and the Private Sector Commission, have aimed to bolster the knowledge and skills of Guyanese individuals across diverse sectors.

Under an agreement with the Government of Guyana, Coursera will continue to extend its initiatives to public sector agencies, offering these opportunities completely free of cost. This endeavor underscores a mutual commitment to fostering continuous learning and skill development among Guyanese citizens.

The collaboration between BIT and Coursera signifies a significant step towards leveraging online learning platforms to address the evolving needs of the workforce in Guyana, ultimately contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

As both entities embark on this partnership, they anticipate empowering individuals with the necessary tools and expertise to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.