New TVET programme launched for young offenders

A new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme for juveniles has been launched at the Georgetown Training Centre through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, marking an important step in strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities for young offenders.

Six juveniles, five males and one female, have begun the programme as part of a targeted initiative to expand structured rehabilitation pathways for young offenders through skills development and personal growth.

Through hands-on instruction, participants gain job-ready technical skills that support future employment and long-term economic independence. The curriculum has also been expanded to include electrical installation, carpentry, and information technology, providing a well-rounded vocational foundation for juveniles in care.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, noted that the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening rehabilitation programmes within the juvenile justice framework by addressing behavioural reform and the socio-economic barriers associated with juvenile offending.

“Rehabilitation must remain a central pillar of our justice framework. By providing young people with practical skills and structured opportunities for personal development, we create meaningful pathways for reintegration while helping to reduce the likelihood of reoffending,” Minister Walrond stated.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, also emphasised the importance of skills training in fostering positive outcomes for young people.

“Technical and vocational training provides young people with a pathway to rebuild their lives through productive engagement. This programme reflects our commitment to ensuring that every young person, regardless of circumstances, has access to skills that support independence, dignity, and meaningful participation in national development,” Minister Jacobs stated.

The Georgetown Training Centre offers a structured and supportive environment where participants can develop practical competencies alongside essential life skills, strengthening their ability to reintegrate into their communities and pursue constructive futures.