84 graduate from Industry Skills Training Programme

The Natural Resources Ministry closed its Industry Skills Training Enhancement Programme (In-STEP) on Wednesday with a graduation ceremony at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) Training Centre, Port Mourant (GTCPM). The programme, launched by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman in June, saw the inaugural batch of 84 former sugar workers and young people graduating with distinctions, credits, and passes.
In-STEP was a collaboration between the Ministries of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Education. It was developed and proposed to the Natural Resources Ministry by the GuySuCo Training Centre (GTC) in February of this year.
The programme, funded by the Natural Resources Ministry at a cost of $4.5 million, included 120 hours of training being facilitated on Fridays and Saturdays at the GTCPM. It provided the participants with certified competency training in the basics of motor vehicle servicing and repairs, refrigeration, electrical installation,

welding and fabrication.
Present at the ceremony was Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who highlighted that retraining experienced workers is necessary in order to meet the needs of 21st Century industries that are emerging in Guyana.
The Minister told the graduates that this training will allow them to participate directly in the sustainability of the nation’s development, and they are now ready to gain employment to support the direct and indirect services of the petroleum, mining, agriculture and other economic sectors.
“The fact that you are here proves that you understand the power of your own growth and recognise the benefits of life-long learning. I congratulate you all on this exemplary achievement, may you go on to create diverse industries right here in Guyana that yield maximum productivity for your chosen industry or your own innovative companies,” she said.
MNR Project Coordinator of In-STEP, Mariscia Charles, speaking on behalf of the Ministry expressed satisfaction with the pioneering project. She further noted the Ministry’s commitment to providing training opportunities to develop the skills of Guyanese. Charles assured that the Natural Resources Ministry remains committed to partnerships and to working with citizens across the country at every level.
The technical training programme forms part of GuySuCo’s Alternative Livelihood Programme for the over 4000 sugar workers who have been dismissed in the downsizing of the sugar industry.
The participants who have completed the In-STEP initiative are now eligible for entry into the New Amsterdam and Corentyne technical institutes to further develop their skills and become employable.