– Aims to empowering residents with technical expertise

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has initiated a transformative skills programme in Region One (Barima-Waini), aimed at equipping residents of Sebai and Canal Bank, riverine villages in the Matarkai sub-district, with the essential skills to become licensed small engine technicians.

According to the Ministry of Labour, the four-month programme will be facilitated through BIT, with the launch event having taken place on May 7, 2024, at the Sebai Primary School. Ten residents from each village will participate in the programme for the first time.

The launch ceremony was attended by distinguished officials including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn; Prime Minister Representative for Region One, Margaret Lambert; Regional Vice Chairperson, Annasha Peters, and Sebai’s Toshao, Compton Thompson, among others.

In his address, Minister Hamilton highlighted that the initiation of the skills programme was in response to a request from the residents, during a recent community visit. He emphasised the government’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Guyanese through various initiatives, in alignment with its manifesto pledge made in 2020.

Minister Hamilton lamented the delay in introducing such programmes to the villagers by previous administrations, stating that the current event signifies the government’s dedication to empowering its citizens to thrive in current and emerging industries.
BIT’s CEO, Maughn, echoed Minister Hamilton’s sentiments, encouraging the prospective trainees to persevere through any challenges they may encounter during the programme. He emphasised that the training should be viewed as a foundation for participants to pursue their future aspirations.

Over the past three years, BIT has allocated approximately $53.5 million to Region One, facilitating various skills-training programmes benefitting 544 individuals. The programmes encompassed areas such as plumbing, block making, catering, cake decoration, refrigeration and air-conditioning repairs, and information technology.

The array of programmes offered by BIT across Region One and the nation align with the government’s commitment to promote skills training by expanding Technical and Vocational training and apprenticeship programmes. This initiative aims to ensure that all Guyanese have access to educational opportunities, equipping them with the skills necessary to secure employment in the evolving workforce of the country.