RESIDENTS of Queenstown and neighbouring communities in Region Two are set to benefit from a new Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation training programme offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

This initiative, announced by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, aims to provide valuable skills to local youths, addressing both employment needs and labour shortages in the region.
During a community meeting held Tuesday afternoon at the Queenstown Community Centre, Minister Hamilton outlined the government’s commitment to equipping citizens with the skills necessary to thrive in the job market. He emphasised that the Ministry of Labour, through BIT, will oversee the training programme, responding to a high demand for heavy-duty equipment training expressed by local youths.

“The programme is designed to make participants marketable in the competitive job market,” Minister Hamilton stated. He expressed his satisfaction in contributing to an initiative that aligns with the government’s broader goal of improving the lives of citizens through skill development.
Highlighting the importance of continuous learning, Minister Hamilton encouraged participants to pursue additional training after completing the programme. “When you complete the Heavy Duty Equipment training, I advise that you do the mechanic course to complement your skills,” he said, urging trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity.

BIT’s technical team will soon return to register interested individuals and establish the necessary systems to commence the programme. Participants will also receive a small stipend during their training to support their efforts.
Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, praised the strong community turnout and interest in the programme, noting the government’s investment in human capacity building across various sectors. She expressed optimism about the positive impact of the training on the region’s workforce.
The meeting was also attended by BIT’s Technical Officers Mohammed Shaheed and Lokenauth Rooplall, along with other officials. Attendees welcomed the initiative and showed considerable enthusiasm for the upcoming training programme, recognising its potential to enhance their job prospects and contribute to national development.