THE government’s continued investment in technical and vocational training is equipping Region Three residents with the skills needed to take advantage of Guyana’s expanding economy.
Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday at the Leonora Technical Institute, Floyd Pellow, a heavy-duty graduate, said he really wanted to do the course for a very long time.
He urged any young person to come and do the course as it would benefit them in the long run.
Another graduate, Quincy Granderson, said this acts as an added certificate to upskill himself, making him more marketable in the process.
Additionally, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, told the 286 persons who graduated from the Board of Industrial Training, that this kind of training comes at a critical time, as major projects are creating increased demand for skilled workers.
There were eight occupational areas, including heavy-duty equipment operation, welding and fabrication, electrical installation, masonry, information technology, furniture making, commercial food preparation, and air-conditioning and refrigeration.
Minister Griffith highlighted that 62 graduates completed heavy-duty equipment operation, 21 welding and 12 masonry, competencies he said are particularly relevant to the development taking place in the region.
The labour minister pointed to the Gas-to-Energy project, noting that at least 1,000 skilled persons were needed, including heavy-duty equipment operators, welders and masons.
“You have been skilled in these competencies… I am now skilled. I am ready to impact Guyana. I am ready to impact this sector,” he said to the graduates.
Minister Griffith also urged the graduates to look beyond employment and consider entrepreneurship, highlighting financing opportunities through the Guyana Development Bank.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, said the investment extends beyond the graduation ceremony, noting that, since 2020, BIT has engaged more than 2,000 persons along the West Demerara corridor, representing approximately $178 million in skills development.
He encouraged the graduates to combine their technical abilities with strong character as they enter the workforce.
The ceremony underscored the government’s focus on expanding skills training while preparing citizens to participate directly in Guyana’s economic transformation. (DPI)
