Two hundred and seventy-six persons on Wednesday graduated after completing training under the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and Single Parent Programme.
Under the youth empowerment programme, 247 youths benefited from training of which 54 have already gained employment, while four have advanced to further training.
The youths were exposed to training in 17 occupational training areas at 49 training locations. Among the graduates were 70 engineers, 36 welders, 19 mechanics, 15 joiners, and 60 in home economics. BIT also collaborated with the Health Ministry and 65 persons benefited from training in the area of health services through this collaboration.
Training was done at hospitals and health centres.
Meanwhile, 29 persons graduated from the Single Parent Programme, 15 of them in garment construction while eight completed training in the area of cosmetology and six in catering.
Trainer, Colin Langford, speaking at the event at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, noted that the initiative is indeed a tremendous success, adding that several persons coming out of the programme have managed to start their own businesses, contributing to society and generally living better lives. He said that the vocational training programme should be commended for its responsibility of empowering single parents, as well as the thousands of youths who have benefited thus far.
Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mark Roopnarine lauded the youth empowerment and single parent programme in reducing unemployment, while also bettering the lives of single parents. He encouraged personal independence and entrepreneurship among the young graduates, as well as the single parents.
Rapid growth
Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul was impressed with the rapid growth of the programme which is undoubtedly making an impact on the economic well-being of Guyanese in the various administrative regions. The labour minister also stressed the importance of the BIT initiative in tackling unemployment.
He acknowledged, however, that the issue of unemployment is by no means unique to Guyana, since the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is also seeking to manage this issue in even the developed countries.
Despite the additional training and support that are available through the BIT programme, youths are encouraged to capitalise on the nursery, primary and secondary education systems which are affordable and free to all Guyanese.
During 2013, a total of 2292 youths have thus far benefited from training in over 50 different trades and technical and vocation skills.
