over 4,500 Guyanese certified in technical skills

THE Government of Guyana is making significant investments in the development of the nation’s human resource capital and labour force through extensive technical and vocational training programmes across the country. These initiatives aim to equip Guyanese citizens with the skills necessary to embark on various entrepreneurship opportunities and enhance their marketability in today’s evolving economy.

Upon completing these programmes, graduates are encouraged to utilise the services provided by the Central Manpower and Recruitment Agency (CRMA). These training programmes have also contributed to the economic strengthening of numerous communities.
From 2023 to date, over 4,500 Guyanese have been certified in various technical and vocational skills through the Ministry of Labour-Board of Industrial Training (BIT). In 2023 alone, 4,371 individuals were trained, with 157 trained so far in 2024. The breakdown of certifications by region in 2023 is as follows: Region One: 187; Region Two: 617; Region Three: 320; Region Four: 1,187; Region Five: 254; Region Six: 697; Region Seven: 265; Region Eight: 113; Region Nine: 190; and Region Ten: 543.
This year, the government has allocated $500 million to expand skill training programmes, benefitting 7,890 individuals. So far in 2024, 45 heavy-duty equipment operators have been certified, and 112 individuals have been trained in various disciplines, including floral

designs and events décor, information technology, office administration, commercial food preparation, elementary sewing, cosmetology, and automotive electrical skills.
One of the programme graduates, Jonathan Garnett from Kitty, highlighted how the training enriched his skill set and prospects. Now licensed, Garnett looks forward to employment opportunities in his field and plans to pursue online courses offered through a collaboration between Coursera and the Ministry of Labour. Another graduate, Remona Williams from La Parfaite Harmonie, shared her experience of breaking traditional gender norms by pursuing typically male-dominated programmes. She expressed, “It is an overwhelming feeling because at first when I started, I was scared of getting onto the machine and doing the basic stuff. Now, I was able to overcome that feeling… And they cannot get me out of the machine.”

Following the launch of several more technical programmes countrywide, over 300 individuals are currently undergoing various courses. The BIT programmes and their respective beneficiaries by region are as follows: Region One: Small Engine Repairs (20 beneficiaries); Region Two: Cosmetology (45 beneficiaries); Region Three: Heavy Duty Equipment Operation (30 beneficiaries); Region Four: Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, Plumbing, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation (82 beneficiaries); Region Five: Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, Commercial Food Preparation (30 beneficiaries); Region Nine: General Building Construction, Welding and Fabrication (30 beneficiaries); Region Ten: Heavy Duty Equipment Operation, Electrical Installation, Commercial Food Preparation, A/C Servicing and Repairs (83 beneficiaries).

To ensure Guyanese have access to the necessary facilities for their training sessions, several technical training centres are under construction in Oronoque in Port Kaituma in Region One, and in Corriverton and New Amsterdam in Region Six. These modern training centres are being constructed in accordance with the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) standards.
As Guyana’s economic landscape continues to accelerate, the government remains committed to investing in educational opportunities for its citizens, recognising that such investments are key to the nation’s development.