– Electrical and PV program caters for women empowerment
A major step toward gender equality in the energy sector was taken on Wednesday with the launch of a two-year Apprenticeship Programme in Electrical Installation and Basic Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology, specifically designed for women. The initiative aims to equip women with technical skills essential for Guyana’s transition to renewable energy.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud handing over gear to female participants
The programme, funded by The World Bank, the International Development Association (IDA), and the Canada Clean Energy and Forest Climate Facility (CCEFCF), provides 20 women with comprehensive training in electrical installation and solar PV technology.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud linked the programme to Guyana’s push for sustainable energy solutions. She outlined the expansion of solar energy infrastructure, including solar farms in Lethem, Bartica, and Mahdia, and plans to install 21 additional solar mini-grids in various regions over the next three years.
“Don’t quit halfway”
On this point, she underscored the importance of the programme in breaking gender barriers and encouraged participants to remain committed throughout the two-year training.
“When we became aware of this journey towards getting ourselves closer to more sources of cleaner, renewable energy, it was an intentional, strategic journey that we took to ensure that women were pivotal”.
“If you commit two years of your life, stay committed to it. Don’t quit halfway. This is something that is going to take you to a very good vantage point where you are able to not only empower yourselves and inspire others to follow in your footsteps, but you are actively contributing to the development of your country. It’s as important as that. And 8 out of 10 regions are represented here among the 20 of you,” the Minister said encouragingly.
The apprenticeship programme, which is tailored for women aged 16 to 35 and combines both theoretical and hands-on training, aligns with the government’s broader efforts to integrate women into traditionally male-dominated fields such as electrical installation, heavy machinery, carpentry, and masonry.
Minister Persaud highlighted its significance in diversifying Guyana’s workforce, where women currently occupy just under 40 percent of the labour force.
“This apprenticeship programme is an investment, a tangible one, in Guyana’s sustainable, low-carbon future and the potential of 20 of you very, very intelligent, talented, courageous women here… The broader initiative aims to revolutionize Guyana’s energy landscape, recognizing that sustainable energy solutions are not only about environmental responsibility, but will create economic opportunities and jobs, boosting social progress”.
“You will be awarded a National Apprenticeship Vocational Certificate and you’re probably saying, what next with it? Well, a career in the energy sector, moving on to technical qualifications, and becoming a professional, who will be able to one day impart the knowledge you’ve gained today to those who are coming after you,” she explained.
The two-year Apprenticeship Programme in Electrical Installation and Basic Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology is supported by the Guyana Energy Agency, the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, and the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training. To ensure they are well-equipped, the participants were provided with necessary starting tools.
