FOR 30-year-old Eshwar Deodat of Region Two, completing the six-month welding and fabrication course through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) was more than gaining a certificate. It gave him the confidence and skills to start working for himself.
Today, Eshwar is able to operate his own welding and fabrication workshop, just about a month after completing the training in 2025. The former MTA student said the BIT programme helped him strengthen the basic skills he already had and put them to use in a way that now allows him to earn an income independently.
“The training was nice,” Deodat said, noting that the experience gave him additional practical knowledge that he needed.
Since opening his workshop, he has been using social media to showcase his work and attract customers, allowing the business to grow. “Financially, it works…the more people get to know you, the more customers you get,” he explained.
While finding additional workers has been a challenge, Deodat explained that he remains focused on expanding his operation and hopes to eventually train someone to work alongside him.
Additionally, he shared that the opportunity provided through BIT is one that other young Guyanese should take seriously, particularly those who may not have gained any qualifications through high school.
He encouraged other persons to take full advantage of these opportunities. “Go there and do what you have to do. Don’t watch for money. Just learn and get training. When you finish, then you will see the outcome,” Deodat advised.
Meanwhile, in Region One, 35-year-old Ellena Williams is also putting her BIT training to use after completing a six-month tractor-driving programme.
Williams, who is from Moruca, explained that the training was challenging at times, particularly learning to reverse the tractor, but she persevered and successfully completed the programme. “Yes, it was hard,” she recalled. “Driving it slow, the reversing part was more difficult for me but I overcame it.”
Despite those challenges, Williams is now putting her training into practice by working within her community, earning an income through tractor-driving jobs. She added that the work has allowed her to secure employment following the training, although earning a stable income.
Williams, who is a mother of five, revealed that she is nevertheless grateful for the opportunity to acquire a skill that has given her another avenue to earn a living.
“Yes, yes,” she said when asked whether she believes she benefitted from the training and would encourage others to take advantage of similar opportunities.
The experiences of Deodat and Williams highlight the practical opportunities being made available to Guyanese through government-supported skills training, especially for persons looking to enter the workforce or improve on their earning potential or establish their own livelihoods.
Through BIT, participants are exposed to practical trades and skills designed to improve their employability while also creating opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
For Deodat, the results are already visible in his workshop, and for Williams, the training has provided a practical skill that she can use within her community.
As government continues to push for self-empowerment and entrepreneurship, these skills training opportunities underscore the value of investing in skills and creating more opportunities for all to build a better livelihood. (DPI)
