BIT to graduate 25,000 in 2019

– BIT programme aims to expand relation with public and private sector

– 43 youth received skills training from 4-months course

– 25,000 persons expected to graduate from BIT Programme by the end of 2019

– 10 computers distributed to Lethem community to improve IT skills

– BIT aims to expand programmes for Reg. 6 youth

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, February 21, 2019

Forty-three youth, on Wednesday, received certification in Information Technology (IT) and Heavy-Duty Equipment Operations through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) sponsored programme in Lethem, Region 9.

Chairman of the BIT programme, Clinton Williams said the administration has expanded the programme, to provide the youth across Guyana with the necessary skills.

Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Clinton Williams encouraging the youths at the graduation ceremony.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, Mohan Ramrattan.

[In the photo, from right to left] Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, Mohan Ramrattan, Chairman of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Clinton Williams and officials from the Regional Chairman Office, Region 9, among the graduates.

One of the females who pursued Heavy Duty Equipment Operations.

A graduate receiving a certificate from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn.

A graduate receiving a certificate from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Richard Maughn.

A section of the gathering at the Graduation ceremony.

“Starting with approximately 570 graduates, way back in 2005, the programme has grown tremendously over the years. [It] is expected by 2019 over 25,000 persons from the various regions would have graduated in areas relating to engineering, building trades, IT, forestry,” Williams said.

The chairman highlighted that BIT Administration works to expand its relationship with both the public and private sector which plays a role in facilitating the programme and broadening the scope of skills offered across Guyana. He further said that the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is collaborating with the Guyana Organisation for Persons with Disabilities to provide vocational training to its members, also. To date, more than 300 persons have graduated through this collaboration over the years.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, Mohan Ramrattan urged the graduates to be aware of the significance and importance of what the skills received can do for Guyana’s growth.

“Education is crucial for any country’s development. Education is aligned with skills training and hand in hand these two key components allow all countries, especially developing countries such as ours, Guyana to grow, progress and develop,” Ramrattan said.

Speaking to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the graduates were all appreciative of the opportunities that will now be open to them having successfully graduated. They further elaborated that the BIT programme comes with a purpose to curb poverty and provides the youth opportunities to provide for their families and build their community.

“Many of us are planning to seek employment with one of the MACORP Companies, we have the foundation and background experience to better qualify ourselves. For the future, we hope to see several catering courses in the BIT programme,” one of the graduates said.

Ayana George.

Images: Gajuan Jordon.