IN recent years, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has become a cornerstone of Guyana’s workforce development strategy, embodying the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s human capital. Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton’s recent update on BIT’s success highlights a transformative journey that has significantly impacted thousands of Guyanese.

Since August 2020, BIT has trained 12,472 individuals in diverse fields, thanks to an impressive $1.2 billion investment by the government. This substantial financial commitment reflects a strategic vision to equip the workforce with skills that are crucial for personal and national economic growth.
Minister Hamilton’s visit to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) provided a firsthand look at the ongoing training programmes in electrical installation, cosmetology, commercial cooking, and information technology. The results are promising: Of the 12,400 trained, 61 per cent are women. This shift represents a significant move towards gender inclusivity in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as electrical installation and welding. Such progress is a testament to BIT’s success in breaking down barriers and providing equitable opportunities.
One of the standout achievements highlighted by Hamilton is the fiber optic technician training programme. Initiated in 2022, this programme has already made a remarkable impact. The first batch of fifteen trainees was quickly absorbed into the telecommunications industry, a clear indication of the programme’s alignment with industry needs. The subsequent training batches, including those for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), underscore BIT’s responsiveness to emerging technological demands. The fact that GPL now employs almost twenty technicians trained by BIT to handle fiber optic installations and repairs speaks volumes about the programme’s effectiveness.

In addition to these achievements, BIT’s recent collaboration with Coursera to launch an online life skills training programme marks a significant milestone. This initiative, which offers courses in Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Wellness, and Entrepreneurship, aims to provide a well-rounded educational foundation. Minister Hamilton’s emphasis on combining technical skills with theoretical knowledge highlights the importance of a holistic approach to professional development. Over 115 individuals have already registered, showcasing the community’s eagerness to leverage this innovative platform.
The user-friendly Coursera platform, with its features such as downloadable courses and 24-hour live chat, ensures that even those in areas with unreliable internet access can benefit from this programme. This inclusivity extends beyond BIT participants, reflecting the ministry’s broader commitment to improving employability and personal growth across the country.

The Ministry of Labour’s efforts are not confined to training alone. The Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) plays a crucial role in matching job seekers with employment opportunities, further supporting the overarching goal of economic empowerment.
As Guyana continues to navigate its path to development, the achievements of BIT and the new life skills training programme stand as exemplary models of how targeted investments in education and training can foster a skilled and versatile workforce. These initiatives not only address current industry needs but also prepare individuals for future challenges, ensuring that Guyana’s workforce remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly evolving global landscape.