The Board of Industrial Training (BIT), through the Ministry of Labour, last week officially commissioned its new office and Skills Development & Certification Centre in New Amsterdam, Berbice, a BIT release stated.
The state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQs) standards and spans two levels, each covering 2,000 square feet, offering ample space for training and certification programmes.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, regional leaders, and heads of department from the BIT with the keynote address delivered by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, the release said.
The minister emphasised the transformative impact of government-led training initiatives, particularly in Region Six, where 2,571 individuals have been trained over the past four years. These trainings were conducted through 109 programmes, with an investment of $185 million. Notably, 1,410 males and 1,230 females have benefited from these initiatives, underscoring the government’s focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity, the release said.
Chief Executive Officer of BIT Richard Maughn, who made brief remarks, spoke on the organisation’s growth and the recognition of its programmes. He also highlighted the BIT’s commitment to ensuring that its training programmes are accredited and recognised both locally and internationally, opening doors for trainees to access better job opportunities and further education, the release said.
Regional Chairman and Chairman of BIT David Armogan and New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for the establishment of the centre in Berbice.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by other staff from BIT, who will play a pivotal role in the implementation of training programmes and certification processes.
According to the release, the establishment of the Skills Development and Certification Centre in New Amsterdam marks a milestone in the government’s efforts to decentralise training opportunities and promote regional development.
