Use of heavy-duty equipment simulator to see Region 5 BIT trainees benefitting

The installation of a $9M heavy-duty equipment operation (HDEO) simulator machine, which will be relocated from Region Six, will see students attached to the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre, Region Five expecting to benefit.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, explained that with simulation-based training, participants are given the opportunity to prefect their coordination and skills, without endangering themselves and others. Hamilton explained that noting that the simulator will not only be cost effective for government, as it relates to fuel cost, but it protects the actual equipment from wear and tear due to trainee use.

“The simulator is quite useful before the students are able to move on to practical training, to use the actual machine. So, we bought four of those (simulators) at $36M and while it was stationed in Region Six, we have deemed that it is not serving its purpose,” he said. The labour minister said notwithstanding the placement, sessions will be arranged for HDEO students in Region Six to attend the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre.

Hamilton pointed out that Government remains committed to providing the necessary support for persons to be employed or become entrepreneurs. This approach, Hamilton said, not only fulfils Government’s rhetoric of upskilling the country’s human resource, but aids in the development of current and emerging industries.

“These programmes that we are providing to our citizens aim to empower them, especially for our women as society has done an injustice to them,” he said. He continued, “I want you to know that once you complete any course offered by BIT, you will have some form of upliftment in your lives and so I encourage all to take advantage.” 

Minister Hamilton revealed that BIT allocated some $448.5M in 2022 to advance its effort to build a qualified and innovative workforce. It was disclosed that in 2021, the agency trained over 3,000 people in the areas of small engine repairs, shade house farming, refrigeration and air conditioner repairs, introduction to photovoltaic systems, solar installation, maintenance and repairs, electrical installation and computer repairs among others.

Hamilton added that this year, BIT expects to train over 4,000 citizens countrywide.