IN a significant move to bolster workforce development, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the Ministry of Labour, has launched the Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator (HDEO) Training Programme at Critchlow Labour College. This initiative is set to certify 74 participants—56 males and 18 females—over a 16-week period, equipping them with essential skills for the industry.

Notably, among the trainees is a mother and son duo, exemplifying the programme’s broad appeal and its transformative impact across generations. The training is designed to not only provide certification but also ensure participants obtain a heavy-duty machine operation licence, addressing a longstanding employment barrier in the field.

The launch event saw the presence of several key officials, including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; Board of Industrial Training Technical Officer for Region 4, Mr. Rohan Bishop; Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Ms. Marcel David-Watson; Principal of the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), Mr. Dexter Cornette; and HDEO Instructor, Mr. Alvin Jack.

Minister Hamilton, in his address, encouraged participants to approach the training with dedication and enthusiasm. He highlighted the importance of obtaining proper certification, noting that many experienced operators have been unable to secure jobs due to the lack of licensing. “We will ensure that every person being trained has a licence to operate. When I became minister, there were a lot of people around the country who had experience operating heavy machinery but lacked licences. Many companies would not and could not employ them. We have started to change that,” he stated.

The $3.9 million initiative will provide practical training, life skills development, safety gear, and a monthly stipend for trainees. Supporting remarks were also delivered by Mr. Dexter Cornette and Mr. Alvin Jack, both of whom emphasised the significance of the training in creating new opportunities and enhancing employability.

This latest initiative by BIT reflects the government’s commitment to skills development and economic empowerment, ensuring a more qualified workforce for Guyana’s growing industries.