– programme aims to equip young people with labour-market skills amid growing economic opportunities

THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is set to expand its skills development programmes to benefit an additional 2,000 Guyanese by the end of 2026, as the Government continues its investment in preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship and the evolving demands of the labour market.
The announcement was made during the National Youth Skills Forum hosted on Wednesday by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, where stakeholders highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in positioning young Guyanese to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Minister within the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, said the Government remains committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening TVET programmes and ensuring that training initiatives are aligned with the practical skills required by industries.
He noted that as Guyana’s economy continues to expand, there is a growing need for a skilled workforce capable of supporting national development.
“There has never been a better time to be a youth in Guyana than today,” was a message repeatedly echoed during the forum, as government officials encouraged young people to take advantage of available training and career development opportunities.
Chief Executive Officer of BIT, Richard Maughn, urged young Guyanese to actively pursue skills that are relevant to the country’s development needs, while emphasising that opportunities must be matched with commitment, discipline and continuous learning.
“We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunity now available while recognising that opportunity must be matched by discipline, preparation, and a willingness to continue learning,” Maughn said.
He reminded young people who have recently completed secondary school that their educational journey does not end there, encouraging them to explore new and emerging fields beyond traditional occupations.
Maughn highlighted the importance of developing skills in digital and technical areas, while also strengthening communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
He encouraged youths to acquire skills that would not only allow them to secure employment but also create opportunities for themselves and others through entrepreneurship.
“The Board of Industrial Training remains committed to working with the Government of Guyana, employers, training institutions, community leaders, and all developmental partners in making sure that apprentices are trained, that people receive skills certification, and that there is general access to technical vocational education and training,” the BIT CEO said.
Maughn revealed that between 2020 and June 2026, BIT programmes have benefitted 18,587 individuals through skills training initiatives, with 73 per cent of participants becoming meaningfully employed or engaged.
He explained that some beneficiaries have pursued further education and training, while others have established businesses or gained employment with industry partners.
Of those trained, 8,266 were males, a figure Maughn described as significant given ongoing concerns about male participation in educational and training opportunities.
“We are happy to know that 8,000 have sought the opportunity that has been made available to them through the services of the Board of Industrial Training,” he said.
He also noted that 10,332 females have benefitted from BIT programmes, including many who have entered areas traditionally dominated by men.
The beneficiaries were trained through 973 skills development courses delivered under BIT programmes, supported by a Government investment of $1.78 billion.
Maughn said the planned expansion to train an additional 2,000 Guyanese by the end of 2026 follows a commitment made during the presentation of the 2026 National Budget.
He said the continued investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Guyanese are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
The expansion of BIT’s programmes forms part of a broader national effort to strengthen human capital development and ensure that young people are prepared to participate in Guyana’s rapidly changing economic landscape.