Two hundred and seventy-six persons on Wednesday graduated after completing training under the Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and Single Parent Programme.
Under the youth empowerment programme 247 youths benefited from training of which 54 have already gained employment, while four have advanced to further training.
The youths were exposed to training in 17 occupational training areas at 49 training locations. Among the graduates were 70 Engineers, 36 Welders, 19 Mechanics, 15 joiners, and 60 in Home Economics. BIT also collaborated with the Ministry of Health and 65 persons benefited from training in the area of health services through this collaboration. Training was done at Hospitals and Health Centers.
Meanwhile, 29 persons graduated from the Single Parent programme, 15 of them in garment construction while eight completed training in the area of cosmetology and six in catering.
Trainer, Colin Langford, speaking at the event at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, noted that the initiative is indeed a tremendous success, adding that several persons coming out of the programme have managed to start their own business, contributing to society and generally living better lives. He said that the vocational training programme should be commended for its responsibility of empowering single parents, as well as the thousands of youths who have benefited thus far.
President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Roopnarine lauded the youth empowerment and single parent programme in reducing unemployment, while also bettering the lives of single parents. He encouraged personal independence and entrepreneurship among the young graduates, as well as the single parents.
Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul was impressed with the rapid growth of the programme which is undoubtedly making an impact on the economic wellbeing of Guyanese in the various administrative regions. The Labour Minister also stressed the importance of the BIT initiative in tackling unemployment.
He acknowledged however, that the issue of unemployment is by no means unique to Guyana, since the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is also seeking to manage this issue in even the developed countries. “Our programme is geared at assisting every single youth who wants that opportunity, and I think it is because of that we must recognise the role of Central Government in this regard.”
Despite the additional training and support that are available through the BIT programme, youths are encouraged to capitalise on the nursery, primary and secondary education systems which are affordable and free to all Guyanese.
The BIT initiative is a demonstration of Government’s longstanding vision for the creation of job opportunities for young people and empowering women. The programme is also recognised as critical is dealing with the issue of child labour since it provides for out of school drop-outs an opportunity for second chance to be schooled.
During 2013, a total of 2,292 youths have thus far benefited from training in over 50 different trades and technical and vocation skills.
Some of these include engineering, electrical, building construction, health services, home economics, IT, clerical and forestry. Overall a total number of 12,697 people benefited from training under the programme since its inception in 2005. Earlier this month 29 youths graduated for Bartica, Region 7, while another 429 graduated at the Leonora Technical Training Centre, Region 3.
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