GITC, celebrating 60 years of training success, highlights its role in workforce transformation

The Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) on Thursday officially launched its 60th anniversary celebrations, marking six decades of technical and vocational training and its contribution to national development.
The ceremony brought together Government officials, educators, staff, alumni, and trainees as the institution reflected on its legacy and outlined a vision for the future under the theme “Advancing Technical Skills for Tomorrow’s Workforce”.
Delivering the welcoming address, Holly Fraser-Persaud described the milestone as a historic moment, noting that GITC has played a vital role in equipping thousands of individuals with practical, job-ready skills over the years. She highlighted that programmes such as electrical installation, plumbing, welding, masonry, motor vehicle repairs, and data operations have enabled graduates to contribute meaningfully to industries locally and beyond.

Administrator of GITC Dexter Cornette underscored the institution’s impact, describing it as a place where transformation occurs. He painted a vivid picture of young people entering the institution uncertain of their future but leaving with skill, confidence and purpose.
“Day by day, skill by skill, lesson by lesson, that individual is changed. Hands that were once hesitant become steady. Minds that were once uncertain become focused. Potential is transformed to competence and competence into confidence. And one day that individual leaves the institution not just with a certificate but with a sense of purpose, marked at a scale, and a future within its reach,” he expressed.
Cornette noted that this transformation has been repeated a thousand times over the past 60 years.
He also noted and traced the institution’s origin to 1966, when it was established with a mandate to provide industrial education and build a skilled workforce. By 1972, it became part of the national education system under the Ministry of Education.
Today, the institution continues to offer training in nine areas and has modified its delivery through competency-based training, introduced in 2013, and strengthened partnerships with industry.
Despite challenges such as staff shortages and infrastructure constraints, Cornette said the institution remains committed to its mission of providing opportunity through training.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Peter Pompey, emphasised the importance of technical education to Guyana’s economic future.
He urged trainees to see themselves as professionals, rather than just tradespeople, stressing the value of skills in this rapidly growing economy.
“You’re not a tradesman, because there’s a limit to what a tradesman does. Put value on the skills, knowledge, and competence you possess. When you show value for who you are and what you do, not only for what you do, you are better compensated for what you do,” he encouraged.
Pompey also highlighted opportunities for trainees to capitalise on national development, pointing to large-scale housing projects and growing demand for skilled labour.
The event also featured reflections on the evolving perception of technical education, with speakers noting that it was once viewed as a pathway for underperforming students. However, that stigma has since shifted, as skills are now looked upon as a powerful driver of economic growth and personal advancement.
“Technical education is the backbone of this economy. And if we fund more resources into that, we are definitely going to have an excellent economy. So let us please remember how important our technical and vocational skills are,” Principal of the Institution Dr Renita Crandon-Duncan said.
The launch was marked by cultural performances, including steelpan presentations, singing and dance, that highlighted the role of arts within technical education.
Performers and speakers alike reinforced the message that technical training extends beyond traditional trades to include creative and entrepreneurial fields.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, GITC has planned a number of activities throughout 2026 aimed at engaging trainees, alumni, and industry stakeholders.