-Labour Minister says at launch of inaugural aircraft maintenance programme in Region Two
-emphasises government’s commitment to investing in youths, handing them the tools for a successful future

IN a landmark step toward expanding technical and vocational education across Guyana, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, on Friday, officially launched the Aircraft Maintenance Foundation Skills Programme in Region Two.

The launch was held at the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) and marks the first time such a programme was being delivered outside the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School (AWHWAES) campus at Ogle. The programme will be facilitated at the ETI.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and AWHWAES, will run for nine months and is aligned with Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level 1 standards. This alignment ensures that successful graduates will not only be equipped with critical technical skills but will also be regionally certified under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework, making them eligible to work in any Caribbean country.

In his keynote address, Minister Hamilton said, “This is a transformative moment not just for Region Two, but for the entire country. It reflects this government’s commitment to decentralising opportunities and investing in the youth of every community.”

He urged the inaugural batch of 20 students to take the training seriously, stressing the importance of discipline, punctuality, and focus as key drivers of their future success.

Minister Hamilton noted that this vision was born from a visit to the Ogle-based aviation school in November 2022, where he met with its Chairman, Captain Paul Ronald Reece, General Manager, Nalini Chanderban and their team. It was then that the need to democratise access to aviation training across Guyana was identified.

“This programme offers a certified and meaningful path into the aviation sector, especially for young people who may not meet the requirements of higher-level aviation training. It brings industry-standard skills directly to their doorstep,” he added.

Also delivering remarks was Richard Maughn, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training. He highlighted the significance of the launch in fulfilling BIT’s mission of delivering demand-driven, competency-based, industry-aligned training across Guyana.

“This programme is not just about technical training—it is about transforming lives and building stronger communities. The aviation sector is dynamic, respected, and full of opportunity,” Maughn said.

AWHWAES’ General Manager emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between theory and practice in aviation.

“Discipline, precision, and safety define success in this industry. The training being delivered here is aligned with real-world applications and international standards,” Chanderban noted.

She added that the training programme marks the beginning of new opportunities, new careers and a new generation of skilled professionals in the aviation industry.

She said that in a world where the aviation industry continues to grow and evolve rapidly, the demand for technical competence, safety, awareness and foundational excellence has never been greater.

Speaking about why the programme matters, Chanderban said that the initiative is not just a course, it is a strategic investment in the country’s aviation sector. She said the course is designed to equip learners with essential skills and in aircraft maintenance, ground operations, safety protocols, technical communication and much more.

Meanwhile, Acting Principal of the ETI Shivnarine Jasoda said that her institution is happy to partner with the ministry’s Board of Industrial Training to make the programme possible.

One of the beneficiaries, Amesha Persaud, expressed gratitude and optimism about her future.

“This programme will change my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue a career in aviation right here in my region,” she said.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Labour and its partners, continues to make significant strides in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This aircraft maintenance programme is a key part of the “New TVET Agenda”, which aims to equip Guyanese across all regions with quality skills, certifications, and real-world opportunities.