IN 2024, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) continued to deliver on its mandate of equipping Guyanese with job-ready skills through structured, high-quality apprenticeship programmes.
A total of 250 apprentices were placed under the National Apprenticeship Programme at five major training hubs—Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC), the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), BOSAI Minerals, and the newly welcomed Kwakwani Utilities Inc. These master plants span Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, and Ten.

According to Richard Maughn, Chief Executive Officer of BIT, the inclusion of Kwakwani Utilities Inc. in the list of participating “Masters” marks a significant expansion of the programme’s reach and impact. “We’re proud to have Kwakwani Utilities Inc. join our growing network of training providers committed to youth empowerment and economic development in their communities,” Maughn stated.

The apprentices were engaged in a dual training model that combined on-the-job experience with off-the-job instruction. This competency-based system has proven to be highly effective both locally and globally. BIT’s own track record shows that, historically, graduates of its programmes secure employment immediately after training. This mirrors international trends, with European Commission research indicating that between 60 to 90 percent of apprentices are employed upon completion, often in better-matched roles with longer tenures than peers from purely school-based vocational training.

Maughn emphasised that quality apprenticeships go beyond formal education. Citing an International Labour Organization (ILO) report on Latin America and the Caribbean, he noted that productivity growth differences between countries often stem from “productive knowledge and skills learned on the job”—a core tenet of BIT’s approach.

Between 2009 and 2023, BIT registered 1,028 apprentices, of which 783 were certified. Of these, 97 per cent were male, with just 26 female apprentices completing their training. While the figures showcase BIT’s longstanding impact, Maughn acknowledged the need for more targeted efforts to increase female participation in the programme.

Employers also stand to benefit from apprenticeship models, which offer a cost-effective method for onboarding new talent while boosting productivity and innovation. “It’s a win-win model that bridges education and employment, and directly supports national development,” Maughn affirmed.

BIT remains committed to expanding its reach and calls on more companies to come on board as training Masters. “We encourage businesses that are serious about workforce development and nation-building to partner with BIT. Together, we can shape the next generation of skilled professionals. Apprenticeships work—and the results speak for themselves,” Maughn said.