RESIDENTS of Region Eight will have greater access to a host of skills training programmes in 2025, thanks to the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), operating under the Ministry of Labour.

According to BIT, this initiative follows a strategic meeting between Regional Executive Officer Peter Ramouthar and BIT Technical Officers Jason Clarke and Earl Pestano, alongside Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Adanna Edwards.

The aim of these programmes is to provide residents with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to local development, while also supporting the government’s broader commitment to enhancing workforce training and providing employers with a highly skilled pool of candidates.

Since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration took office in August 2020, more than 12,000 Guyanese have received training, demonstrating the government’s dedication to empowering its citizens.

BIT stated that in 2023 alone, $488.5 million was allocated to train 4,444 individuals, while in 2022, $448.5 million was spent to train 4,000 participants.

Earlier, in 2021, 3,086 persons were trained, and 2,000 citizens were certified through BIT programmes in 2020.

According to BIT, the courses cover a variety of technical and vocational skills, including: motor vehicle repairs, garment construction, electrical installation, joinery, auto electrics and electronics, welding and fabrication, cosmetology, catering, air conditioning and refrigeration repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation and food preparation.

These training programmes which are completely free, require no prior certification or qualifications, and all necessary materials are provided by the government.

Importantly, the courses are open to all, with a strong encouragement for women to participate, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields such as heavy-duty equipment operation and welding.

This skills-training initiative is part of a continued effort by the government to strengthen local economies and provide residents with opportunities for personal and professional growth.