BIT certified and ready to serve
─ 260 Complete BIT Programme in Reg. 4
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, October 5, 2019
“It is the key to a brighter future, a key to hope and a second chance” … “Thanks to BIT my dreams are alive and I can contribute positively to the nation.”
These were the sentiments of George Loo and Fiona Ceasar, just two of the 260 graduates who recently completed the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) training programme in Region 4.
Chatting with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday at their graduation, Loo, who describes himself as “a family man with a job”, felt he needed to learn a new skill to earn more income to maintain his family.
“This programme caters for all, even those who are working. The Board of Industrial Training sets classes after hours and that was the best for me. I would advise persons younger than myself to grab this opportunity it is free of cost and offer sound certification,” Loo said.
Ceasar, an aspiring chef, said her goal to own and operate her own restaurant. However, she needed to learn the basics to properly manage her dream business. “I loved my course; it gave me better ideas to get my business up. I did Food Preparation and at first, I was amazed when I heard it was offered by BIT… my next step is to get whatever else is needed to get my business up and running.”
Another graduate, Troy Andrews, said despite initially finding his course – Heavy Duty Machinery – a bit though, he stuck it out and is grateful for the experience since it is one, he says will “put money in my pocket.” “It was not easy, many days… but I listened to my parents and made sure I finish what I started and today, I am very grateful. I feel optimistic because the knowledge to operate heavy-duty machines can open doors to the oil and gas sector.”
The Ministry of Social Protection, in collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), on Friday, provided the 260 youths with certificates following their successful training.
The youths benefited from training in programmes such as, Wielding, Electrical Installation, Heavy Duty Machinery, Food Preparation and Information Technology which ran for four and six months.
Addressing the graduates, Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Chairman, Clinton Williams said, the aim is to provide the country’s future leaders with the necessary skills that ensure for self-empowerment. “We want to ensure that the training provided not only offers skills and knowledge but provides a service that will be value for money and so we are even more proud to be able to deliver the product following the training. We are even looking at youths within far-flung communities to ensure that become equipped with the tools to transform their lives and communities.”
Williams cited the example of the boat-building training programme that BIT embarked on with residents in Regions 2 and 6. The initiative was taken to empower the residents to improve their transportation accessibility.
BIT has generated over 20,660 artisans and semi-skilled workers that have been added to the workforce and it is estimated by the end of 2019, a total of 25,000 persons will be trained in various skills.