THE government of Guyana has intensified efforts to provide quality education and expand opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to ensure every Guyanese has access to education at all levels.
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton highlighted these initiatives during a speech at the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) luncheon held on Tuesday at the Rayne Inn, East Bank Public Road.
Minister Hamilton pointed out several significant measures undertaken by the government, including the award of 21,442 scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). This figure surpasses the initial target of 20,000 scholarships within five years.
Additionally, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has equipped 11,275 individuals from Regions One through Ten under 549 training projects.

The government has also provided on-the-job training through apprenticeship programmes benefitting over 200 individuals. Furthermore, skills training has been enhanced through special initiatives in collaboration with private sector bodies and other entities.
Another milestone in the government’s strategy is the operationalisation of the first phase of the Guyana Technical Training College (GTTC) at Port Mourant, Region Six.
This initiative, supported by private sector investment, has already seen its first cohort of 25 students begin specialised training in mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation fields, preparing them for the oil and gas industry within six months.
“We are not just addressing. We are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future, and all of us have to participate in this together. With the support of the private sector and the active participation of all stakeholders, we can bridge the skill gap and build a robust, skilled, and resilient workforce ready to drive Guyana’s economic growth and development,” Minister Hamilton stated.

The luncheon, which gathered industry stakeholders including employers, human resources professionals, and government representatives, aimed to address the government’s interventions to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the labour market. Attendees discussed the current state of Guyana’s labour market and shared insights on skill shortages and potential solutions.

Minister Hamilton emphasised the importance of continuous skills training to address the issue of an underskilled population. He stressed that Guyana’s education system must prioritise TVET alongside traditional academic training to effectively tackle the skills deficit.
“The long-term approach for Guyana must be one where our education delivery is revolutionised. We must urgently reach a place where we give prominence to Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET) like we give to academic training endeavours,” he asserted. “We cannot discuss skill shortage and skill deficit, and have an education system where there are 35 students in a class, and 12 students don’t want to be in that class because they would rather be in a class where they can be using their hands.”
Established in 1962, CAGI represents the interests of employers in resolving labour relations issues. It is recognised as the Employers’ Organisation on Labour, Social Policy, and Human Resource Development, and serves as a counterpart to trade unions and trade union centres.
The Ministry of Labour will continue to engage CAGI and other relevant worker and employer representative groups to ensure a robust labour force in Guyana.