• 13,000 trained in five years

“The demand for a rightly skilled workforce has never been more urgent,” declared Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, as he addressed stakeholders at BIT’s Appreciation Dinner and Award Ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana. The landmark event formed part of the agency’s 115th Anniversary celebrations.

Against the backdrop of rapid global industrial transformation and Guyana’s own evolving economic landscape, particularly with the emergence of the oil and gas sector, Maughn underscored BIT’s unwavering mission to support national development through inclusive skills training, workforce preparation, and occupational certification.

“From the impact of COVID-19 to the changing nature of work, educators, policymakers, and employers have had to confront labour shortages and the pressing need for new competencies,” Maughn stated. “BIT remains steadfast in equipping Guyanese—regardless of gender, geography, or ability—with the skills to meet those challenges head-on.”

Since its founding in 1910, BIT has grown into a cornerstone of Guyana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. In the past five years alone, more than 13,000 individuals have been trained and certified under flagship programmes such as the National Apprenticeship Scheme, the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE), and the National Training Programme for Empowerment (NTPE).

A key highlight of the CEO’s address was BIT’s pioneering approach to gender inclusivity in non-traditional fields. From 2020 to 2024, 1,393 women were trained in technical disciplines including Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation (362), Electrical Installation (240), Photovoltaic Installation and Repairs (187), and Welding and Fabrication (114). At the same time, women continued to advance in sectors such as Commercial Food Preparation (1,703), Cosmetology (1,350), and Information Technology (424).

BIT has also made purposeful strides in ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are integrated into Guyana’s workforce. Over 334 PWDs were engaged in training programmes in areas such as Website Development, Digital Marketing, Computer and Small Electronic Repairs, and Shade House Farming—accounting for 3% of the total training population during the same period.

Equally significant is BIT’s success in bridging the urban-rural divide. Over 2,000 residents from hinterland and riverine communities have received training in recent years, a direct outcome of BIT’s regional expansion into Regions One, Three, Four, Six, Eight and Nine.

Looking to the future, Maughn outlined a strategic vision focused on six priorities: expanding access to training; introducing micro-credentialing; operationalizing Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR); strengthening industry partnerships; enhancing lifelong learning; and building robust data systems for tracking outcomes.

“As we commemorate 115 years of service, we are not just reflecting on our past—we are charting a future where no one is left behind,” Maughn affirmed. “Together, let us honour our legacy, embrace innovation, and remain steadfast in our resolve to train, empower, and transform lives.”

The ceremony also honoured outstanding staff, trainees, and partners whose contributions have shaped BIT’s continued success in developing a skilled, resilient Guyanese workforce.