By Kimberly Giddings | January 8, 2025
The Ministry of Labour is rolling out new training initiatives aimed at equipping Guyanese with the necessary skills to meet the demands of the country’s ongoing development.
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton outlined the new programs during a recent press conference, noting that these initiatives will be carried out in collaboration with several international agencies.
One of the major initiatives launching in January will provide training in electrical installation and photovoltaic technology to 20 women.
This program, aimed at boosting skills in the energy sector, will be executed in partnership with the Guyana Energy Agency, the Ministry of Human Services, and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), with funding from the World Bank.
Participants will be trained to become trainers in the field, with the two-year program starting on January 13.
Additionally, the Ministry has partnered with Canadian gold mining company G Mining to offer courses in welding, heavy-duty equipment operation, and pipe fitting.
These courses, designed for both men and women from Region Seven, will train over 1,000 individuals, with the first phase of training set to begin soon.
The courses will be held at a training facility in Bartica, which will provide employees for the mining site’s development and future operations.
The Labour Ministry is also working with USAID-YRIE on Project Ignite, which aims to provide technical training to at-risk youth in communities such as Sophia, Albouystown, and New Amsterdam.
Minister Hamilton is encouraging the private sector to engage more actively in apprenticeship programs, highlighting their role in developing a skilled workforce and expanding employment opportunities across various industries.