Massive skills training programme for hinterland communities

– Min. Hamilton

The Ministry of Labour – Board of Industrial Training (BIT) would soon be rolling out a massive technical and skills training programme in hinterland communities countrywide.

Minister of Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton made this statement during a recent outreach to communities in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).  He was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BIT, Mr. Richard Maughn, and newly appointed BIT Officer, Region Nine, Ms. Indira Singh.

During interactive sessions with residents of Quarrie, Haiowa, Parishara, Toka Potarinau, Shulinab, Sand Creek and Karaudaranau villages, they highlighted the need for skills training for youth. Some of the areas of training needed include ICT, motor mechanics, small engine repairs, masonry, garment construction, catering, and business management.

Minister Hamilton encouraged the village councils to form small groups with a maximum of 20 persons, and apply for the training programmes that are needed in their communities.  The training would equip youth with the skills they need to tender for small Government contracts.

“As you know, the Government has just opened up whereby 20 per cent of Government contracts should go to small businesses so it is presenting that to them, that there is an opportunity for young men and women to form little companies so that they can tender for projects at the regional level and we don’t have to bring a man from Lethem or Georgetown to do a simple building in a village,” Minister Hamilton said.  

He added that the Government through the Office of the Prime Minister, would also be rolling out its solar panel per household programme soon, therefore, there would be a need for trained persons to repair them.

In terms of training in agriculture, Minister Hamilton said he would d be reaching out to the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a programme to train persons in farming techniques, agro-processing and marketing. Additionally, BIT and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs would be collaborating to provide training to some 2,000 Community Support Officers.

“Myself and the Minister, Hon. Pauline Sukhai had a preliminary conversation as to how we can provide support and so overall, we are going to collaborate with the ministries that provided training on a holistic training programme,” he said.

Minister Hamilton noted that last year, BIT provided technical and vocational training to some 2,000 people and this year, that number will increase to over 3,500. The Ministry has already appointed BIT officers to every region, who would be working with residents to craft training programmes based on the needs of their respective communities.