Seventy- seven (77) persons graduated from another Board of Industrial Training (BIT) skills training on the East Bank of Demerara. Certificates distribution exercises were held on Friday, December 17 and December 21, 2021 at the Grove Craft Center, Eccles and Kuru Kuru Training Centers.
Senior citizens, an aviation officer, teachers among others received certificates after completing skills training in Commercial Food Preparation, Garment Construction and Floral Arrangement. On the days of receiving their certificates the graduates also displayed what they were taught over the past four months.
At the Grove Craft Center, nineteen (19) persons completed Garment Construction and twenty for Commercial Food Preparation, comprised of one male, Mr. Shayne Jones, who is in the aviation sector but possessed a passion for baking and creating new cuisines.
Speaking to BIT, Mr. Jones stated that he is married but would always find the time to do the cooking on his free time. However, after hearing about the programme offered by BIT, for free, he immediately registered.
“In the day I go to my job, after work I head to my catering, among nineteen (19) women who I didn’t see as a challenge but they encouraged me along the way, the trainer was patient and clear with instructions. My love for cooking will see me in the future, opening the doors to my own restaurant or food truck.” He mentioned.
At the Eccles Training Center, fourteen (14) persons received their certificates in Commercial Food Preparation, among this batch they were also two males. On Tuesday, December 21, 2021, twenty-four (24) persons held a grand practical display before receiving their certificates.
The graduates did not only receive skills training in the pursued course but they were also exposed to life skills training, comprised of topics, such as, Mathematics, English Language, Reproductive Health and Business by contracted Life Skills Trainer, Ms. Vanessa Williams.
Commercial Food Preparation, Garment Construction and Cosmetology are just a few programmes heavily pushed by the Minister of Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton as skills needed to empower young girls and women to help them seek entrepreneurship. However, men are not barred from pursing the said programmes.
Throughout the year, the training agency collaborated with Food for the Poor Guyana Incorporated, which saw the distribution of sewing machines in regions 1,2,3,4,6,7,9.
PC|BIT
(Board of Industrial Training, Public Relations Department).