Free online training
─ Public Telecommunications Ministry and MACORP sign MOU
DPI, Guyana, Monday, September 16, 2019
The Ministry of Public Telecommunications and Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today. This will pave the way for persons to access technical training online, free of cost.
The signing took place at Industrial Supply of Guyana Incorporated, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The agreement will allow interested persons and individuals pursuing a career in the technical field to access MACORP’s world accredited online training programme, ‘Technicians for the Caribbean.’
During brief remarks, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Hon. Catherine Hughes said that this marks the beginning of a transformation in terms of technological advancement at the community level.
“I believe that our ICT Hubs and the places where we establish internet connectivity will become centres for training in STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Now imagine, you can sit there and get the requisite skills and technology to go through this exciting Technicians for the Caribbean training programme.”
Minister Hughes noted that the making these training programmes easily accessible is timely, as persons skilled in maintenance and repairs of heavy-duty vehicles are needed, especially in the mining and forestry sectors and the evolving oil and gas industry.
Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes and Managing Director of MACORP, Guillermo Escarraga during the signing of the MOU
The programme will be piloted at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway where more than 35 persons have expressed an interest in enrolling for the technical course. Apart from being certified, the youths will have the opportunity to participate in MACORP’s internship programme. Minister Hughes noted that in addition to haven been being selected for the programme, persons will be provided with a weekly stipend. It was highlighted that other communities will be subsequently targeted as the training course is rolled out.
MACORP’s Managing Director, Guillermo Escarraga, explained that the objective of the programme is to provide educational opportunities for Guyanese youths. “We hope this partnership reaps the benefit from the community level and that we see the very much needed skilful Guyanese workforce, develop and prepare to tackle the challenges that we have ahead of us.”
On completion of the course, successful participants will be selected to participate in an in-house training session at MACORP on the East Bank of Demerara. These students will be instructed and certified while gaining experience.