THE Ministry of Labour, through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), certified 112 individuals at a graduation ceremony held over the weekend at the Herstelling Assembly of God, Global Outreach Centre, Vocational Skills Training Institute, East Bank Demerara.
This cohort included 10 male and 102 female graduates who completed programmes in various fields such as floral designs and event décor, information technology and office administration, commercial food preparation, elementary sewing, cosmetology, and automotive electrical level one.

During his feature address, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton congratulated the graduates and emphasised that while their certificates are significant, the skills they have acquired should not remain static. He encouraged them to continue advancing their skills, seize opportunities for further development and pursue additional training that complements their current expertise.
Minister Hamilton highlighted the importance of BIT’s collaboration with the Herstelling Assembly of God, noting that it involves financial investments and the application of best practices to ensure all beneficiaries receive effective training in technical and vocational skills that keep them in demand. He stressed the importance of continuous learning and improvement in their respective fields.

BIT reported that its partnership with the Herstelling Assembly of God, led by Reverend Dr. Ravindra Shiwandan and Dr. Michelle Shiwnandan, began in 2009. Since then, the collaboration has trained approximately 1,374 individuals from Regions Three and Four. This long-standing partnership reflects a commitment to enhancing the vocational skills of the community.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, and the Technical Officer responsible for the East Bank District, Rima Rohee. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the ongoing support for vocational training initiatives in the region.

The graduation ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates, but also underscored the Ministry of Labour’s dedication to providing valuable skills training that empowers individuals and meets the evolving demands of the job market.