BIT graduate 251 persons from Region Three programme

The Labour Ministry’s, Board of Industrial Training (BIT), offered training programmes saw some 251 persons in Region Three graduating and are now equipped with various skill sets.

This aligns with the ministry’s agenda of training persons to flood Guyana’s labour market and become employable.

It was disclosed that the graduates received certification in Metal Work Engineering, Small Engine Repairs, Welding and Fabrication, Carpentry, Masonry, Data Operation, Barbering, General Office Administration and Auto Body Repairs, among others.

The ceremony was hosted at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LTVTC), Leonora, on Friday.

In media related interviews with several graduates, they shared their excitement to be equipped with a skill set.

Mother of Six, Natasha Murse who completed the catering programme revealed that the training provided her with the opportunity to network with other persons in her batch. She has already gained employment through BIT.

“I would encourage young people to go and take a chance because it would be beneficial in the end,” she said.

Another graduate, Safia Ali who completed the General Office Administration programme noted, “It was very helpful and easy once you put your mind to it.”

Andrew Goldman described his experience while completing the masonry programme as “thrilling and wonderful”.

As a way of encouraging others to take advantage of BIT’s programmes, Goldman stressed, “It is free… The government is actually paying you to learn something. So, taking advantage of it is the first step.

He admitted that next on his agenda is to complete the fitting machine programme.

Electrical Installation graduate, Christopher Sam said he has gained a lot of knowledge from the course.

“I started out not knowing much but the course has taught me a lot about becoming the better electrician that I am today. I have learnt how to take better safety precautions and get stuff done the right way. I encourage other youths to come out in their neighbourhoods and find out about the programmes as to whatever you want to venture out into.”

Meanwhile, Tyrese Alexander, a graduate of the Information Technology programme said, “I can safely say that this programme has impacted me in a big way towards my face-to-face interaction and knowledge about technology.”

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton in delivering the feature address, reiterated that the requisite training and skills are important to one’s development, especially to seek employment.

The minister noted that persons in today’s society should be multiskilled and multitalented. The government remains committed to the development of Guyanese in every region by making technical and vocational training programmes available.

The minister told the graduates that, “The certificate is just a paper. What will sustain you is the knowledge you have required over the period to develop yourself, to contribute to one’s community, and region…What will take you out of poverty is education, education, education.”

Minister Hamilton assured that the government will continue to provide resources to ensure programmes like these are offered to develop the country.

It was noted that graduates from each training programme were awarded for their outstanding performances.

BIT’s Technical Officer for Region Three, Devika Ramsewak, and LTVTC’s Chairman, Floyd Scott were also in attendance.