SIXTY residents of Region Three proudly received their certificates on Tuesday after completing skills- training programmes facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The graduation ceremony, held at Riverside Hall in Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, marked a significant milestone in the personal and professional growth of the graduates, equipping them with skills essential for today’s competitive job market.

The graduates earned certifications in various technical fields, including General Building Construction, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, Information Technology, Motor Vehicle Servicing, Air Conditioning Repair, and Refrigeration. These programmes, designed to enhance employability, reflect BIT’s commitment to fostering practical skills and empowering Guyanese citizens for socio-economic advancement.

One of the most remarkable achievements from this cohort is that twenty graduates have already secured employment with established companies or launched their businesses.

This early success underscores the immediate impact of BIT’s training on the career trajectories of participants, demonstrating the value of technical education in shaping the region’s workforce.

Among the graduates, the Lewis family—father Jermaine and his children, Daniel and Desha—stood out for their collective achievement in Welding and Fabrication.

Through the four-month BIT programme, the family transformed their business, gaining advanced welding techniques that have allowed them to enhance the quality of their services across the region.

Jermaine Lewis expressed his gratitude for the programme, stating, “Before joining, our work was what you’d call ‘street style’ welding. The training taught us advanced techniques and styles that have significantly improved our business. I am grateful for this opportunity, and it’s even more special to share this achievement with my children, who will carry the business forward.”

Both Daniel and Desha echoed their father’s sentiments, emphasising how the skills acquired during the programme have refined their abilities and contributed to their family’s business success. Their story exemplifies the life-changing impact of BIT’s training and its role in fostering entrepreneurship.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Mr. Richard Maughn, Chief Executive Officer of BIT, Ms. Devika Ramsewak, Technical Officer, and Mr. Mitchroy Garnett, Chairman of the Lust-en-Rust Community Development Council (CDC), along with other officials. Each offered words of encouragement and praise for the graduates, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

Mr. Maughn, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of BIT’s mission to develop a skilled workforce that contributes to the nation’s socio-economic progress. He reiterated BIT’s ongoing efforts to support technical training and promote opportunities for Guyanese citizens to improve their livelihoods.

As BIT continues to provide transformative skills- training programmes, the success of this graduating class serves as a testament to the lasting impact such initiatives can have on individuals, families, and the wider community.