Following a visit by President Irfaan Ali last weekend and a commitment to provide jobs, scores of youths from Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, have registered to undergo skills training next week.
Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton informed during a press conference that after the training in block-making is completed, these persons will be employed. This programme is in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).
The Board of Industrial Training is also open for them to acquire specific skills training.
“The intention is to have this programme roll out next week. The idea for all of this is to introduce them to a block-making programme so that they can start earning. The commitment from CH&PA is that they will have a buyer that is involved in the housing programme. For specific training, they will enrol in BIT programmes,” Hamilton relayed.
President Ali engaging a young man during his visit last week (DPI photo)
Some persons who registered this week were already trained by the Board of Industrial Training. The Ministry will work with these individuals to have them certified.
“Many of them have a skillset so we also have to work with them. More importantly, to ensure that they can be certified and accredited because in Guyana we’re developing, just being skilful will not take you anywhere. You have to be accredited and certified.”
The Labour Minister added that such engagement will follow in other communities in the quest to upskill the population.
During the visit, the Head of State informed residents that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration wants to have young people “actively and positively” involved in the development and transformation of Guyana. This way, he explained, they too can get opportunities to live a better life.
“We have to ensure that our young people are trained, that our young people are equipped. We have to ensure the women in our society live a more healthy and positive life. We have to ensure that we have the conditions here that will allow all the children to be in school… I’m here to push this agenda,” the President was quoted as saying.
In this light, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn was tasked with leading a full team to Leopold St, including private sector players who are also looking to recruit people to do welding and fabrication works.
“The Housing Ministry will be here to recruit people because right now we need people in the construction sector. So, the opportunities will come and they will come directly in the community to you… This is your opportunity. We don’t have excuses anymore. You do not have the excuses anymore. We’re coming to find you to be trained to give you necessary skills so that you can be functioning in the economy, you can be part of the transformation, you can be part of the development,” Ali had urged them.
