Communities in Region 8 engaged on BIT programmes

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton over a three-day period held discussions in various areas within Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) in regards to rolling out the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programmes and cooperative and friendly societies and other matters in the region.

The Minister and a team visited Kurukubaru, as well as Kato village, North Pakaraimas and Paramakatoi.
He engaged the Toshaos, Village Councillors, and various groups on the importance of BIT and informed them that the programmes are all free and are not limited to a specific age or gender.
Additionally, he disclosed the functions of BIT and the importance of the technical and vocational education training (TVET) it provides, especially in hinterland regions.
During the meeting, residents also suggested programmes they would like to see in their community and which would be the most beneficial.
Moreover, it was noted that no educational requirements were necessary to be part of the programmes since they aim to provide persons with a skill, regardless of educational background.
Some programmes are expected to feature remedial courses that offer basic Mathematics and English sessions in assisting persons that are not too academically inclined.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed BIT Technical Officer for Region Eight, Jermain Guinness, will follow up with the residents about these programmes, which is the first step to ensuring training programmes are efficiently rolled out in the area.
Further, Hamilton stressed on the importance of Community Service Officers (CSOs) and the need for them to be adequately trained.
He noted, however, that while CSO programmes enable young persons to earn a living and ultimately contribute to cash flow within their villages, it is just a stepping stone in their personal development.
He charged the CSOs to diversify their skillsets so that they can become their own employers, attain higher positions and make room for new CSOs.