108 Region 6 residents certified in technical trades

A total of 108 residents from Region Six have officially received certification in a variety of technical skill areas, marking a significant milestone in workforce development. The achievement was celebrated during a graduation ceremony at the University of Guyana (UG) Tain Campus last Saturday hosted by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort to equip residents with practical, in-demand skills aimed at improving employability and supporting economic growth in the region. Graduates received certification in key technical fields such as air conditioning and refrigeration servicing, welding and fabrication, motor vehicle servicing and repairs, and electrical installation following the successful completion of a four-month intensive training programme.
Delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, emphasised the Government’s continued commitment to investing in Guyana’s most valuable resource; its human capital.
He underscored the importance of technical and vocational training, along with the expansion of free education, as key pillars in the country’s development strategy. Dr Singh urged citizens, especially young people, to take full advantage of the growing opportunities in the education and labour sectors to acquire marketable skills, improve their employability, and build more secure and prosperous futures.
BIT Technical Officer, Clarence Shako, himself a proud graduate of the programme highlighted the agency’s ongoing role in creating pathways to employment through practical, skills-based training. He shared the inspiring success story of a 2014 graduate who has advanced to the point of now hiring others trained in the same field, underscoring the long-term impact of BIT’s initiatives. Shako expressed gratitude to BIT and its partner organisations for their continued support, and encouraged graduates to embrace the institution’s core values integrity, excellence, reliability, teamwork, professionalism, and appreciation as guiding principles in their careers and personal growth. Brief congratulatory remarks were also delivered by Mr Jainarine Sookpaul, Manager of the GUYSUCO Training Centre; Mr Mahendra Gomanie, Principal of the Upper Corentyne Technical Institute; and Mr Narindra Persaud, Regional Executive Officer of Region Six. Each speaker commended the graduates on their achievements and emphasised the critical role that collaborative training initiatives play in driving regional development, fostering economic growth, and building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
The training programme was made possible through a strategic collaboration between the BIT and the BNTF, reflecting a shared commitment to bridging the skills gap in Guyana’s labour market. Designed to respond to the growing demand for qualified tradespeople and technical professionals, the initiative targeted both youths and adults, equipping them with not only practical, hands-on training but also the theoretical knowledge and soft skills essential for success in the modern workforce. Through a curriculum focused on high-demand fields such as electrical installation, welding, motor vehicle repairs, and air conditioning and refrigeration servicing, the programme aimed to ensure that graduates are well-positioned to pursue entry-level employment or entrepreneurial opportunities within their communities. Moreover, the training emphasised the importance of workplace values such as professionalism, teamwork, and integrity—key attributes that contribute to long-term career growth and job retention.
Officials from BIT and BNTF have hailed the initiative as a model for sustainable workforce development, particularly in underserved regions. By decentralising access to technical education and tailoring programmes to meet local economic needs, the partnership not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the broader goal of national development and economic resilience.