97 graduate from Board of Industrial Training in Berbice
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September 22, 2018
Ninety-seven Berbice youths recently graduated from the National Training Project for Youth empowerment (NTYE) on September 19. The programme was facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in collaboration with the GuySuCo Training Centre located in Port Mourant.
Courses were offered in the area of Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, Motor Vehicles Servicing and Repairs, Basic Fitting and Machinery, Refrigeration, Supervisory Management and Entrepreneurship.
A representative of the Ministry of Social Protection, Francis Harold who spoke on behalf of Junior Minister Keith Scott, remarked that the graduation exercise must be regarded as an important event because it helps to fulfil government development.
He alluded to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordon’s budget 2017 presentation where he outlined the government’s commitment for technical and vocational training as part of the grant’s scheme of attaining a good life hence, the continued support and cooperation from the board of industrial training for programs of such.
Harold added that the Minister of Finance, on that occasion, had noted by 2021 a total of 42 workshops will be built or refurbished in several of the ten administrative regions to cater for the training needs of hundreds in the disciplines of joinery, masonry, cookery, garment construction, and motor vehicles repairs among others.
“These initiatives can be positioned within the National Youth Policy which was presented to the National Assembly two years ago in that policy youths are characterised as those individuals who fall in the bracket of 14-35 years of age and since today’s graduation class comprises persons within that group is not unreasonable to say that the objective of the training was youth empowerment.”
Also speaking at the graduation exercise was Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Dr. Harold Davis Jr. who highlighted the BIT has recognised the importance of contributing to the development of the community in several technical skilled areas.
“I am particularly pleased with the level of interest and attendance and the exemplary performance of this batch. The future of this country and in the world where we have been largely influenced by technical awareness and competence and the knowledge gained will stand in good measure with the rapidly moving environment where we all live for industry and employment,” Dr. Davis Jr. said.
The CEO concluded by urging the graduates to make good use of the skills acquired to empower themselves and to contribute to the development of their community.
“I trust that we will all endeavour to use our knowledge and competency obtained to make a difference in your communities and your lives and by putting them into practice and that many of you will go on to acquire more competencies in your area of training”.
Story and Images: Nafeeza Yahya-Sakur