– empowering 70 youths

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) on Monday officially launched four new technical training programmes at the Beterverwagting Practical Instruction Centre (PIC), offering fresh opportunities for 70 young people—44 females and 26 males—from communities spanning Golden Grove to Plaisance.

The newly introduced programmes, Furniture Making, Information Technology, Agro-Processing, and Commercial Food Preparation, began on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and will run for four months.
Designed to equip participants with practical skills, the training aims to boost employment prospects and foster entrepreneurship among the region’s youth.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, delivered the feature address at the launch, emphasising the value of personal growth, discipline, and dedication in technical education. He urged the trainees to seize the opportunity for self-improvement and to pursue multi-skilling as a strategy for success. The minister also called for stronger gender inclusivity in technical fields, encouraging more women to pursue skills in areas historically dominated by men.

Also addressing the gathering was BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Richard Maughn, who underscored the transformative potential of skills training. “When you acquire a skill, it not only benefits you but also your household, your community and ultimately the nation,” he stated. Maughn urged trainees to remain focused and committed to their development.

Ms Celeste Cummings, Headmistress of the Beterverwagting PIC, expressed heartfelt thanks to BIT and its partners for making the training initiatives a reality. She encouraged the trainees to take full advantage of the programmes and the resources made available to them.

Other attendees at the event included BIT Technical Officer Ms. Quinola Legall and several officials from the education and labour sectors.

BIT also announced plans to expand its training portfolio at the Beterverwagting PIC in the near future, with courses such as General Building Construction and Electrical Installation slated for rollout.

The launch marks a significant step in Guyana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its technical workforce and support community-based development through practical, inclusive education.