Major review of BIT programmes underway

Feb 07, 2012 News

…agri, mining, forestry, oil exploration fields targetted

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) which offers programmes to empower disadvantaged youths is reviewing its courses to ensure students receive adequate and appropriate skills for a developing Guyana.
This is according to Dr. Dale Bisnauth, Head of BIT, during a recent interview with this publication.
He stated that a committee, comprising board members, was created with the guidance of Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, to review courses being offered under the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) to make them more appropriate to national development.
Bisnauth explained that the Board is repositioning its focus on areas such as mining, forestry, agriculture, and oil exploration since they are critical to Guyana’s development.
While this would provide labourers for these expanding and new industries, the Board may be forced to cut back on certain courses owing to financial reasons.
The programme was created five years ago by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, targeting school dropouts. Since its commencement, over 6,000 youths between the ages of 16 and 30 have benefited.
The idea was to give youngsters a second and third opportunity in becoming employable. The Board has been keeping track of the youths and to date 60 percent of them are gainfully employed.
While there are some areas which allow easy employment such as heavy duty operators and cosmetology, other areas are finding it difficult. He explained that the private sector especially the mining sector utilizes the heavy duty operators while the cosmetologists are oftentimes self-employed.
Dr. Bisnauth assured that with the introduction of the new courses when the trainees are churned out into the world of work, there would be appropriate jobs available. This would eliminate the competition of 200 youths chasing after a particular field of work that has opening for 20 persons.
He related that currently BIT offers training in 94 skill areas in five broad fields. They are Engineering, Building and Construction, Home Economics/ Hospitality, Clerical, and Medical. The training is done in two six-month phases across the country, except in Regions Eight and Nine.
Besides offering specialized training, the youths receive Life Skills Education, where they are taught Mathematics, English Sexual and Reproductive Health and Micro Enterprise Training.

Latest News

Major review of BIT programmes underway

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Kellman’s 3-goal brilliance inspires Sparta Boss’ title victory

Bossalina wins feature event at Rising Sun Turf...

GBBFF boss reflects on milestones and leadership...

National stars shine in GCF End of Year Chess...

Two more young cricketers benefit from Project...

Tonight: Sparta Boss goes up against Bent Street...

Features/Columnists

The PPP is in self-destructive mode

Forget Begging Rich Nations: Caribbean Countries Should Act to Save Themselves

A good year, interesting one

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Major review of BIT programmes underway

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]