1,300 hinterland residents to benefit from 97 training programmes this year- Labour minister

As the Labour Ministry through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) continues to equip Guyanese with the necessary skills needed to access the country’s diverse job market, these training opportunities are being extended to hinterland communities, where more than 1000 citizens are expected to benefit.
The rollout of training programmes in the Hinterland regions was highlighted by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton on Thursday during day four of the National Toshaos Council (NTC)Conference, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

During his presentation, Minister Hamilton reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards ensuring that all Guyanese, regardless of geography, have access to the tools of empowerment, specifically through education and skills training.
In this regard, the minister highlighted that more than 50 hinterland communities will benefit from a number of training programmes this year; a direct result of an over $220 million investment from the government.
“In 2025, BIT is projected to roll out 97 training programs across 58 communities, with 28 programs already underway and 59 more pending final logistics arrangements. We aim to directly engage 1,300 beneficiaries, including 722 males and 578 females, under a budgeted investment of $221 million in Region 1, 7, 8 and 9, and the riverine communities,” he disclosed.
Moreover, the minister revealed that programmes have not started in several regions due to a lack of skilled personnel. On this point, Minister Hamilton highlighted the importance of a selected trainer being a person who lives within these communities.
“Because for us, our first stop when we’re looking for a trainer is to ensure that someone from the village is the trainer. We don’t want to import trainers into your village. Importantly, because the monies that will be paid to the trainer, we want [him/her] to be residing in the village and not bringing people into the village who, when we give them the cheque, they will change it in Georgetown and you will not have access to that.”
Additionally, Minister Hamilton also highlighted the significant progress that BIT has made over the years in training hinterland residents.
“From 2020 to 2024, the Board of Industrial Training – we were able to train and certify 2,144 residents from across Region 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in key occupational areas. Just to name a few: electrical installation, heavy-duty equipment operation, welding and fabrication, agro-processing, photovoltaic maintenance and repairs, small engine repairs and ICT.”
BIT in Guyana aims to develop a skilled and competent workforce to meet the needs of the industrial sector and economy.