Another batch of students has graduated from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and is testimony to government’s recognition of the need for more skilled labour as the nation’s economy continues to expand.
According to a release yesterday from the Department of Public Information (DPI), 174 persons from Region Six have successfully completed several programmes through BIT and are now proficient in diverse disciplines.
The graduates are now certified in Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repairs, Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Repairs, Furniture Making, and Hydraulics.
Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, who spoke at the graduation ceremony held at Outback Adventures, emphasised the need for discipline in achieving success. He told the graduates that they must diversify their talents in order to be successful moving forward.
“You must use your craft and training to develop yourself in all respect, more so financially. Important to that, the board of industrial training allow for people who graduated in one programme to do another programme if they so desire…You have to have more than one skill. You have to be prepared that in the event one door closes, you can walk into another.”
Hamilton also disclosed that BIT had expended over $31 million towards the execution of the training programmes in the region. And according to DPI, Guyana is making significant investments in skill training programmes countrywide due to the government’s recognition of the need for more skilled labour.
Meanwhile, BIT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Richard Maughn, congratulated the graduates, especially the women, who he noted have not only done exceptionally well in their training programmes, but are also paving the way for other women to pursue possibilities in traditionally male-dominated areas.
“In this diverse cohort of people, we proudly acknowledge the outstanding achievement of 24 accomplished women who have defied stereotype and carved a path in traditionally make dominated fields.”
The release added that Maughn also urged the graduates to ensure they maintain their willingness to allow everyone to have equal opportunities in the workplace and to be fearless.
“So, your female colleagues who are working with you must feel equal to you when it comes to the skills and what is expected of them to do in the field of work. I also want to charge you to be a voice of the fearless, be it male or female. I also charge you to be ready to embrace opportunities,” stressed Maughn.
