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6,000 benefitted from industrial training within last three years
Some 6,000 Guyanese have received technical training through Board of Industrial Training (BIT)-sponsored programmes in the last three years, providing expertise, especially for the timber and mining firms here.
Minister Keith Scott (third from left) with the new board members of BIT.
Minister within the Social Protection Ministry, Keith Scott, made the disclosure recently while installing new Board members of the BIT, whom he challenged to ensure “quality assurance” is maintained in the courses available to trainees.
“Between the years 2013 and the present, BIT has trained 6,000 persons and has established closer ties with the Central Recruitment & Manpower Agency (CRMA) in respect of job placements for their trainees. BIT’s expansion of the HDEO (Heavy Duty Equipment Operator) programmes is directly catering for the timber and mining industries, and ties in with the Ministry’s focus on Occupational Health & Safety Practices,” Scott said.
The minister lauded BIT’s expansion which also caters for the ‘differently-able’ persons who are determined to lead productive lives.
According to the Minister, BIT’s drive and emphasis on technical skills in every field have been surpassing other agencies. He is impressed with the reviews BIT has been receiving and expects the new Board to further address the increasing demands for industrial skills nationwide.
Private sector executive, Clinton Williams has been returned as Chairman of BIT. The other board members are Ganesh Singh; Michael Turner; Penelope Harris; Rushanna DeJesus; Friedel Issacs; Krishna Sharma; former Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir; Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Social Protection, Lorene Baird, and a representative from the Ministry of Business.
Williams said he too is pleased with the direction BIT has taken and the positive feedback received, “which only emphasises that we are heading in the right direction. BIT has received full support from both the past government (when it was in power) and the present government, and the submissions for the 2017 budget were derived directly from BIT’s five-year Strategic Plan (2015 to 2020). This signifies that BIT as an apolitical agency, directly contributes to the wellbeing of all Guyanese”.
Scott noted that the new BIT leadership brings a wealth of experience, including that of former Minister Nadir, who is representing the Parliamentary Opposition on the Board.
“This experience should be channeled towards improving the quality of training offered to persons to ensure greater prospects for employment of graduates and greater recognition of qualifications, especially for those seeking to further their training,” Scott said.
BIT was established under the Industrial Training Act Chapter 39:04 of the Laws of Guyana. Its membership comprises representatives of employers, and employees’ organisations along with Government representation. The Board offers technical and vocational skills training to youths, adults and apprentices, equipping them with marketable skills in a variety of occupations, in various sectors including engineering, building construction, electrical, heavy duty equipment operation, information technology and clerical, medical and forestry.
BIT caters particularly to young persons who have not completed their secondary education.
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