–growing interest seen as BIT records largest batch of male, female trainees in Region Four

HUMAN resource development remains a priority for the Ministry of Labour and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), as they continue to reach new heights in their efforts.
This commitment was underscored on Monday with the launch of the newest heavy-duty machinery operation programme by BIT.
During his address at the launch of the programme, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, said the initiative has attracted the largest batch to date for Region Four, with 112 participants enrolled: 92 males and 20 females. He noted that approximately $6.8 million will be spent on training this group.

Minister Hamilton reflected on the growth and impact of the programme over the last five years, pointing out that heavy-duty machinery operation has become one of BIT’s most in-demand training areas.

“In 2021, we trained 44 persons; 41 males and three females. In 2022, 60 persons: 54 males and 11 females. In 2024, we trained 101 persons: 79 males and 22 females. Bringing that number to 265 persons over this four-year period: 223 males and 42 women. And we extended $14.6 million to training. In 2025 already, we have trained 124 persons before you; 104 males and 20 females; for a sum of $7.8 million,” the minister highlighted.

For the current cohort of 112, who will be trained through the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), Minister Hamilton said the $6.8 million allocation brings the total investment in heavy-duty machinery training at GITC to nearly $30 million in recent years; a massive milestone for the ministry.

“If we add the 6.8 million, we will be spending nearly 30 million dollars on this one programme being done at this one institution with our partner GITC,” he said.
Beyond heavy-duty machinery, Minister Hamilton noted that over the past five years, more than 16,000 people have been trained in dozens of skill areas; including commercial food preparation, electrical installation, and joinery.

He contrasted this with the five years before 2020, under the previous administration, when the average annual training output was 1,300 persons, amounting to about 6,500 in total.
“So, we have trained 150% more than what trained between 2015 and 2018,” he said.

Regarding the programme, Minister Hamilton stressed the importance of safety in operating heavy-duty machinery, referencing recent fatal accidents.
“Safety is important. You must know your machine. You must know everything that is around your machine before you jump in the machine. We’ve already had persons who lost their lives because people are not paying attention,” he emphasised.

Hamilton said: “So, important to you staying alive; and therefore, worth staying alive; is if you are safe. Take nothing for granted. Pay attention all the time. Don’t be distracted.”
The minister urged participants to take full advantage of the training, not only to advance their careers but also to contribute to the nation’s growing industrial workforce.
He reminded them that the skills they gain will play a vital role in building Guyana’s future.