A TOTAL of 138 individuals, including 72 women and 56 men, have graduated from the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) technical and vocational programmes, positioning themselves to take up employment or launch their own businesses in key sectors across Guyana.

The graduates, who received training in Commercial Food Preparation, Plumbing, Cosmetology, Electrical Installation, and General Building Construction, were equipped with practical skills and theoretical knowledge aimed at enhancing their employability and fostering life-long learning.

During the graduation ceremony, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton emphasised the transformative impact of the government’s investment in skills training, noting that BIT has trained over 13,000 individuals in the last four and a half years, with over 60 percent of them being women.

“Every programme we do has a relationship to national development,” the minister stated, pointing out that the government has spent over $1.5 billion on BIT training programmes. “There are more opportunities available now for academic and skills development than at any other time in Guyana’s history.”

He reminded attendees that all BIT programmes are offered free of cost, funded through government and international support, including the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the Basic Needs Trust Fund.

Minister Hamilton encouraged the graduates to make the most of their opportunities, declaring, “You have a responsibility to ensure that you succeed. If you fail, you have no one else to blame but yourself.”
The minister also underscored the growing demand for skilled workers in Guyana’s rapidly expanding hospitality and construction sectors. He highlighted that 22 hotels are currently in the pipeline, creating an estimated demand for 6,000 workers, alongside the government’s goal of building 10,000 houses annually.

BIT’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, reflected on the institution’s long-standing commitment to national service, celebrating 115 years of employment and training initiatives. He urged graduates to see their skills as tools to serve the nation.

“The skills you’ve acquired are not to be used in isolation. You will be successful when you realise you’re serving people and serving your nation,” Maughn said.
Meanwhile, Region Four Technical Officer Rima Rohee praised the programme’s broader impact: “This certification is more than just a piece of paper. It adds value and confidence to the trainees when it comes to job employment,” she stated.

Rohee affirmed that BIT continues to instil positive values and create purposeful opportunities for its students. “We are proud of what we have achieved and even more excited about what lies ahead,” she added.
As Guyana’s economy continues to grow and diversify, BIT remains a vital force in preparing citizens to actively participate in and contribute to the country’s development.