FOR many of the more than 190 graduates of the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) programme at the Leonora Technical Institute (LTI), Monday’s graduation was not just a celebration of academic achievement, it was a moment of personal triumph.

The Guyana Chronicle spoke with several graduates from the programme at the Leonora Technical Institute and the message was clear that this experience was not just about learning a trade, it was a personal transformation.

Tyra Mullin of Vergenoegen stood tall among her peers, beaming with pride as he explained how the programme helped unlock a new path forward.
“This experience was educational and empowering,” she said. “The skill I would’ve learnt would be taken to a further way in the future whereby we can depend on our skills. I encourage every young person to find themselves in Board of Industrial Training courses that is provided”

Her words echoed a powerful theme that ran through the stories of many of her fellow graduates, like Seon Roach, from Cummings Lodge, who said the programme offered him a second chance at a long-delayed goal.

“Being a part of this programme has been very good for me. I was able to learn a new skill. Something that I wanted to do for a while but was busy otherwise. It was a good experience being with my colleagues, the learning, experiencing and operation,” Cummings said.

For Terrance Audien, the training was not just about technical know-how, it was about building character.
“Even when some students slacked off, we came together. We encouraged each other. It’s a good programme. I would advise some young teens to come out and get a certificate,” he said.
Their voices formed the emotional core of the 2025 LTI BIT Graduation Ceremony, held at the institution, where proud family members, officials and facilitators gathered to witness the results of months of hard work.

Chairing the ceremony was Lust-En-Rust community leader Mitchroy Garnett, who commended the graduates for their perseverance. Also addressing the gathering were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, Region Three Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt, Principal of the Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre, Julian Cambridge, and BIT Technical Officer Devika Ramsewak.

While official speeches touched on policy and partnerships, it was the graduates who gave the event its real meaning.
From welding and electrical installation to garment construction and ICT, the courses offered under BIT have become stepping stones for many youths seeking financial stability, independence, and personal growth.

As Guyana works to equip its workforce for a rapidly evolving economy, these young graduates are proof that technical and vocational training is not just relevant, it is revolutionary.