-as 224 residents graduate from technical, vocational training

A TOTAL of 224 residents of Region Two were on Tuesday officially certified in a range of technical and vocational disciplines during a graduation ceremony hosted at the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI).

The graduating class, comprising 82 males and 142 females, included participants from both the Lower and Upper Essequibo Coast. Of the group, 104 beneficiaries from Lower Region Two completed training in Electrical Installation, Joinery, Welding and Fabrication, Small Engine Repairs, General Office Administration, and Cosmetology.
Meanwhile, 120 participants from Upper Region Two earned certification in Commercial Food Preparation, Cosmetology, Outboard Motor Repairs, Auto Mechanics, and Welding and Fabrication.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, underscored government’s commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education across the country.
He highlighted the expansion of training opportunities under the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), noting the integration of new technologies to prepare citizens for a dynamic and evolving labour market.

In a landmark announcement, Minister Hamilton revealed that aeronautics training is now available in Region Two.
Already, 24 young people have commenced studies in Aircraft Maintenance Foundation at ETI—the first time such specialised training has been offered in the region. Within nine months, these trainees are expected to be fully certified.

The Minister also disclosed that a Fibre Optic Installation and Maintenance programme will soon be launched in Essequibo, broadening the scope of opportunities for young people to pursue technical careers in emerging industries.

Chief Labour Officer, Dhaneshwar Deonarine, explained that the government’s training initiatives form part of a wider human capital development strategy aimed at equipping Guyanese to benefit from opportunities in oil and gas, tourism, and related sectors.

Regional Chairperson, Vilma Da Silva, praised the graduates for seizing the chance to acquire lifelong skills that will open doors for employment and entrepreneurship. Technical Officers Lokenauth Rooplall and Mohammed Shaheed also presented the project report and congratulated the certified trainees.

The Ministry of Labour reported that an estimated $190,880,740 has been invested in training programmes for Region Two alone. Since 2020, a total of 1,746 residents—892 males and 854 females—have benefitted from BIT’s training programmes in the region.