THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the Ministry of Labour, celebrated 115 years of technical excellence and workforce development with the hosting of its grand Region Four “Try-A-Skill Exhibition & Fair” on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Held under the theme “Skills for Success,” the full-day event ran from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and featured over 30 exhibitors from various technical and vocational disciplines. Attendees were given hands-on opportunities to explore and experience skills in areas such as Commercial Food Preparation, Electrical Installation, Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation, Plumbing, Cosmetology, Fibre Optic Installation, and more.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Richard Maughn, emphasised the urgent global and national need for skilled professionals in a rapidly evolving labour market. “Today is more than an exhibition; it’s a call to action,” he said. “The world is grappling with a shortage of skilled personnel and the effects of learning loss due to COVID-19. Guyana, with its rapid growth fuelled by Oil and Gas and infrastructural investments, is no different. Our mission at BIT is to ensure Guyanese are not just trained but are employable.”

Ms. Karen Roopchand, Project Manager at the Basic Needs Trust Fund and BIT Board Member, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of expanding training outreach. “Our evolving economy demands deeper partnerships, expanded outreach into rural and hinterland communities, and a commitment to ensuring every citizen has the opportunity to build a better life through skill development,” she said.

Also addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical Education, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, highlighted BIT’s longstanding impact. “BIT has been a cornerstone of technical education in Guyana, empowering young minds to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said. “We at the Ministry of Education are proud to collaborate and ensure technical training remains relevant, equitable, and high in quality.”

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, underscored the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in national development. “These exhibitions, graduations, and training initiatives are not just short-term fixes; they are part of a long-term national strategy. We are creating a new Guyana where TVET is just as respected as academic qualifications,” he declared.
The Minister also noted the encouraging increase in female participation in technical programmes. “Over the years, I’ve seen more women entering training programmes, many times outnumbering men, and that’s a tremendous step forward,” he added.

Over the years, BIT has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several regional and international technical institutions, further enhancing the credibility and recognition of its programmes.

The Region Four “Try-A-Skill Exhibition & Fair” marks another milestone in BIT’s ongoing mission to build a skilled, adaptable, and resilient workforce ready to meet the demands of Guyana’s dynamic economy.