TVET centres to be furnished soon – Manickchand

…says will expand skills-training across Guyana

Government is currently in the process of procuring modern equipment to outfit some six new technical and vocational education training (TVET) centres which have recently been constructed.
Built in Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini), Fellowship in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Beterverwagting in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Hopetown in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and St. Ignatius in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), these centres are part of Government’s efforts to expand skills training locally in a bid to help fill the skills gap in the current job market.
According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, when these centres are completed, Guyanese in the respective regions would be able to access courses in various areas, including agriculture science, furniture making, electrical installation, heavy-duty equipment operation, welding and fabrication, and plumbing, among other disciplines.
She explained that Government’s primary goal is to develop the local workforce and build human capacity through the enhancement of education, in order to promote sustainable economic diversification in Guyana.
“You’re going to see a robust TVET intervention. You would know (that) in the country right now, it’s the skills that are needed: the heavy-duty equipment operators; the people who are being hired by the construction industry, where they are earning sensibly and adequately to look after families. And so we want to make sure that we are able to cater to that market, and prepare our people who wish to benefit from that sector,” Minister Manickchand said.
The Education Minister added that technical and vocational education and training is crucial for the development of the world’s economy. She noted that this type of skill is especially important for developing countries such as Guyana, so that the country can prepare for the skills demanded of the 21st century.
In fact, TVET is considered a driving force for sustainable development, as it focuses on work-based learning and promotes self-employment, thus contributing to the development of nations.
“This will ensure that service is accessible all around. Technical education is getting a lot of attention. We believe that skill is wealth. The country is in a place where the thrust is going to see a need for a large number of skilled persons, where we need them to develop and earn a sound and solid living by utilising the skills that they gained at these facilities,” she added.
Technical and vocational education and training also play a key role in the United Nations’ educational goals, and as such, $1 billion was allocated in the 2023 National Budget for the TVET programme, to facilitate training of some 4,000 Guyanese. (G1)