Approximately 118 students graduated from the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment on Friday last at the GuySuCo Training Centre in Port Mourant, Corentyne.
The programme was held in collaboration with GuySuCo and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The Chairman of the BIT, Clinton Williams stated that Guyana, like many other developing countries, has been experiencing a widening gap between the “Workplace needs and workplace capabilities.” This, he said, was because of the “[Historic] stigma attached to Technical and Vocational Education and Training,” in that it is viewed as the last resort for academically weak students.
He further stated that there is a “dire national skill deficiency syndrome” in Guyana. He noted that the opening of new sectors in the country will only add to the syndrome. “New sectors are emerging such as oil and gas, hydropower development, spinoff industries from Guyana’s LCD’s (Low Carbon Development) initiatives such as eco tourism and clean energy.”
According to the Chairman, the board has many plans in store for how to improve the programme, one being to obtain credible labour market data and information in order to establish realistic demand for occupational skills.
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott charged the graduates to stay on the right track. “That fact that you have been able to stay in the course from last year to now tells me that you have what it takes to be a success,” he said. According to the Junior Minister, Guyana is moving at a fast pace in the developmental front, and as such with the shortage of entry level skills, the graduands will be available to put the skills they garnered to use in the private and public sector both.
Rose Hall Estate General Manager, Hutton Griffith stated that much diversification is needed within the corporation. “In order for the corporation to grow and become profitable once again it has to diversify. It is clear that sugar on its own will not survive; therefore we have to make changes,” he stressed.
The programme began last April and offered courses such as Electrical Installation 1, Basic Fitting and Machining, Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repairs, Welding and Fabrication and Refrigeration and Supervisory Management. 118 students graduated; seventy-six with distinctions, eighteen with passes and twenty-five with credits.
