In a significant move to enhance skills development and certification, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the Ministry of Labour, inaugurated its new training office and Skills Development & Certification Centre on Tuesday.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the facility’s design to meet Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) standards. CVQ is a recognized and portable qualification within CARICOM, available for secondary school graduates, school leavers without certification, employees, displaced workers seeking new skills, self-employed individuals, and those pursuing new skills.

The launch took place in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and was attended by key personnel, including government officials, regional leaders, and BIT department heads. Minister Hamilton noted that the new facility would greatly enhance local access to training programs offered by the ministry.

“I can see evidence of what we are doing, especially with the establishment of this facility. I can see residents here, including retired individuals, benefiting from the programs we have implemented and will continue to implement in the region,” he remarked.

The minister underscored the transformative effects of government-led training initiatives, particularly in Region Six, where 2,571 individuals have been trained over the past four years through 109 programs, with an investment totaling $185 million. Of those trained, 1,410 were males and 1,230 were females, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

BIT Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn also addressed the gathering, discussing the organization’s growth and the recognition of its programs. He emphasized BIT’s commitment to ensuring that its training programs are accredited and recognized both locally and internationally, which will help trainees access better job opportunities and further education.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan, who is also the Chairman of the BIT, and His Worship Mayor Wainwright McIntosh expressed appreciation for the new center’s establishment in Berbice.

The commissioning ceremony included staff from BIT, who will be instrumental in implementing training programs and certification processes. The facility, spanning two levels and covering 2,000 square feet each, provides ample space for various training and certification programs.

The establishment of the Skills Development & Certification Centre in New Amsterdam signifies a milestone in the government’s efforts to decentralize training opportunities and foster regional development. As Guyana experiences economic growth, such initiatives are crucial to ensuring that all citizens can partake in and benefit from the nation’s progress. Since 2020, approximately 12,000 individuals have been trained through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), reflecting an investment of over $169 million by the Government of Guyana, with 1,490 training completions reported in 2024 alone.