108 Berbicians equipped with job-ready skills

Some 108 residents of Region Six are now equipped with a range of employable skills following the completion of an intense four-month training programme.
The training was organised by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).
Among the key technical areas covered were air conditioning and refrigeration servicing, welding and fabrication, motor vehicle servicing and repairs, and electrical installation.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held Saturday at the University of Guyana’s Tain Berbice Campus, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, lauded the programme, emphasising the critical need for skilled labour across industries in Guyana.
“Every single company that I speak to tells me that they are looking for workers with relevant skills, and they cannot find enough people,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “That is why we are so committed as a government to training in every single area where there is demand for skilled labour.”
The graduates expressed optimism about their futures, with many looking to enter the workforce or start their own businesses.
Among them is Howard Crawford, who completed training in motor vehicle repairs.
“I’m looking forward to becoming an entrepreneur or working alongside someone to improve my skills, earn steadily and put my skills to use in the world of work,” he said.
Priya Yab, already working as an electrician, said she took the welding and fabrication course to expand her expertise.
“I’m willing to join any company and use the skills I have and learn more about it,” she said.
For 21-year-old Beyonce Andrews, the training represented both empowerment and opportunity.
“As a female in the technical field, it’s inspiring to be part of this. I’m studying mechanical engineering at the University of Guyana and wanted to complement that with hands-on experience in motor vehicle repair. Prior to this, I was always the type of female whatever there is an issue, I would call my father. Now, I’m able to access certain things for myself and maybe later on in the future I can think business wise with my new training,” she said.
To further support the graduates in transitioning into the workforce, a job fair was also held at the venue, allowing them to apply directly for employment opportunities in their newly acquired fields.