Minister of Public Telecommuni-cations Catherine Hughes and Chief Executive Officer of the Machinery Corporation (MA-CORP) Guillermo Escarraga yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for free online training for persons interested in being certified for the repair and maintenance of heavy machinery.
Under the Caterpillar “Technicians for the Caribbean” programme, the Ministry has teamed up with MACORP to provide support where access to computer systems and the internet is concerned.
In a press release, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications said that Hughes expressed profound gratitude to the company for providing an opportunity that has life changing potential.
The 157 internet hubs across the country are locations for citizens especially young men to start the training in operations, repair and maintenance of heavy-duty machines, the release said. The MACORP programme can after one year provide employment and work-study opportunities to participants who perform to high standards, the release added.
Hughes said that her Ministry without hesitation threw its support behind the MACORP initiative. “We have made an important match between online learning, using technology to enhance educational opportunities and in turn propelling the value of an individual and their skills.”
The Minister noted that under the MACORP programme, interested persons will be able to access a series of online training modules and begin their studies at their own pace with the guidance and support of MACORP. The service technician course may run from three to six months or longer and successful participants will receive MACORP certification which is internationally recognized.
Escarraga said that the machine and equipment company, Caterpillar had begun the service technician course in Africa some years ago but also saw an opportunity to launch the programme within the Caribbean. He said dealers were invited to be a part of the programme and MACORP quickly supported the initiative.
“We are happy to see that we are partnering with several stakeholders to make sure that people have the opportunity to take the programme and actually get the certificate. At the end of the programme, people will get the certificate that is valid not only in Guyana but throughout the world”, he added. Escarraga said the programme has eight modules and persons will be exposed to the aspects of technical and safety principles among others. Successful individuals will also have an opportunity to be part of MACORP’s intern programme and later, the possibility of full employment with the agency.
MACORP’s programme through the network of ICT hubs and internet-connected locations will be able to reach far-flung communities that previously had no internet connection and public computer systems.
Persons interested in participating in the free service technician course may visit the MACORP and Ministry of Public Telecommunications websites for more information.
