613 BIT graduates ready to meet Guyana’s expanding demand for skilled labour

Six hundred and thirteen proud graduates from Regions Three and Four received their certificates from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) on Tuesday.

The ceremony was held at the National Cultural Centre, where the graduates were eager to speak about their plans now that they have the requisite skills to make a meaningful contribution to Guyana’s workforce.

For Jazmaine Brant, 17, Tuesday’s graduation was more than just a ceremony, “it is a stepping stone” to a career and eventually, a good-paying job, she said.

Moments after receiving her Certificate in Information Technology, Brant said the occasion marks a milestone before sitting her CSEC.

Brant explained that the programme has also strengthened her preparation for future studies at the University of Guyana.

The other graduates learned different skills, including plumbing, operating heavy equipment, and food preparation.

Meanwhile, Mervin Mariano, who completed his training in refrigeration and air conditioning, said the programme has opened doors to new opportunities.

“There are a lot of opportunities… especially with the hotels that are being built. I’m just thankful that one day I will fall into a contract,” he said, expressing gratitude for the programme.

Mariano explained that he never had this opportunity when he was younger and commended the government for ensuring the BIT programme gets the right amount of resources and funding.

Delivering the feature address, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, underscored that the training forms part of a deliberate national strategy to prepare Guyanese for a rapidly expanding economy.

He emphasised that the government’s focus on manpower planning is critical as the country transforms into a modern state.

“We are struggling to produce people with the right skills as quickly as they are needed,” the senior minister said.

Dr Singh pointed to exactly these opportunities, noting that major developments across sectors, from construction to mining and hospitality, are driving demand for skilled labour.

“Every single heavy equipment operator graduating here today will be snapped up in the shortest possible time,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for trained workers across industries.

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith told graduates that Guyana needs them as the government invests in skills training and youth development.

He stressed that they are not just certificate holders, but also builders of a stronger, more prosperous Guyana, encouraging them to see their part in national change. [DPI]