By Karen Abrams, MBA, EdD ‘2025
Research Consultant| STEMGuyana Director
Georgetown, Guyana – As Guyana’s economy experiences rapid development driven by the oil industry, concerns are mounting over the unpreparedness of the country’s labor force to meet the demands of the 21st-century job market. Recent statistics and reports highlight the urgent need for action to bridge the gap between skills and job requirements.
According to 2022 statistics, a little more than 35% of students passed the 6th-grade Math exam, while a slightly higher average 46%passed the 6th-grade Science exam. Those numbers would drop significantly if the pass rate were raised to 65%. These figures indicate a significant challenge in developing a strong foundation in STEM careers among Guyanese students from the primary school level.
The 2022 International Labor Organization (ILO) report emphasizes that the majority of “in-demand jobs” in Guyana’s oil-driven economy require higher technical skills or advanced degrees. Shockingly, 62% of these high-demand jobs are considered scarce within the country, revealing a stark imbalance between available positions and the skilled workforce to fill them. Further exacerbating the situation is the underrepresentation of women in these high-demand jobs. The report also indicates that women hold as little as 5% to an average of 21.7% of those “in-demand” positions.
This gender disparity not only limits opportunities for women but also restricts the overall talent pool available for economic growth. The most recent Guyana Workforce report reveals that a little over 2% of Guyana’s current workforce have earned a bachelor’s degree, highlighting a significant gap in higher education attainment. Additionally, the pipeline for technical or STEM candidates is inefficient, with nearly half of the nation’s children struggling with numeracy and literacy at the 2nd-grade level. The lack of quality and innovative technology education programs further compounds the issue, resulting in a significant mismatch between the unemployed or underemployed population and job openings today and projected for the future.
The consequences of an unprepared labor force are already becoming evident, particularly in industries like construction. With the massive projected infrastructure development in the country, thousands of professionals such as plumbers, electricians, welders, and laborers are in high demand. However, the current shortage in these roles has already led to increased rates for these professionals and in fact, the importation of skills from overseas is already happening. Moreover, ordinary citizens who are already squeezed by the rising cost of living will find it difficult to afford the construction or upgrading of their homes, further exacerbating socioeconomic disparities.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. The government alone cannot meet the needs of preparing the next generation of technology workers and leaders. It must collaborate with various stakeholders to bridge the gap and contribute to the development and strengthening of technology programs across the country. Investing in quality STEM education, improving teacher training, and fostering stronger industry-academia partnerships are crucial steps to ensure the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills for the evolving job market.
It is crucial for Guyana to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with its current labor force and the insufficient preparation of the next generation of young leaders. By placing education as a top priority, implementing effective policies, and fostering technological advancement, the nation can empower its citizens to actively contribute to economic growth and ensure a prosperous future. The future of Guyana’s workforce and its capacity to compete on a global level hinge on the dedication of the country’s public and private sector leaders to address existing shortcomings and cultivate a skilled, diverse, and productive labor force.
