THE Board of Industrial Training (BIT) officially launched its third Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator (HDEO) training programme for 2025 on Monday, welcoming a new cohort of 112 participants at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC).
This group comprises 20 women and 92 men who will undergo 16 weeks of comprehensive training designed to equip them with the necessary skills for operating heavy machinery safely and efficiently.

The launch ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton; GITC Principal Mr. Dexter Cornette; Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Officer, Ms. Nateica Garraway; technical officers, instructors, and other key officials.

In his keynote address, Minister Hamilton highlighted the significant strides made in skills development over the past five years, noting that more than 16,000 individuals have completed BIT programmes — a substantial increase from the roughly 6,500 trained under the previous administration.
“These results are not just statistics,” the Minister emphasised, “but real stories of individuals who are now better prepared to support themselves and their families.” He encouraged the trainees to fully seize the opportunities provided by the programme as the first step in a promising career journey.

Mr. Dexter Cornette, Principal of GITC, urged participants to focus equally on technical competence and safety awareness. “I always tell every batch, when it comes to safety, go beyond the regulations. This field can be dangerous, and several lives have been lost because safety was not prioritised. Never compromise your safety for a few extra dollars,” he cautioned.
Between 2021 and 2025, the Government of Guyana invested approximately $22,476,200 to support Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator training in Region Four. Through partnerships with GITC and the Government Technical Institute/CPFF, a total of 389 trainees — including 327 men and 62 women — have successfully completed rigorous skills development programmes in heavy-duty equipment operation.

The continued focus on practical skills training reflects the government’s commitment to empowering Guyanese with market-relevant competencies, supporting employment opportunities, and fostering economic growth.