The Government in a release announced 292 heavy duty equipment operators (HDEO) were Saturday added to Guyana’s skilled workforce following a graduation ceremony in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) for HDEO trainees. 247 males and 45 females graduated from the three-month programme. Participants reportedly hailed from New Amsterdam, Hampshire and Upper Corentyne and the outskirts of these communities.
The HDEO training programme was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT).
The administration has been implementing the programme over the past four years across all the administrative regions of the country the statement read.
According to the government the programme allowed for public and private sector employment of all trainees in the respective field, especially with the country currently on a fast-paced development trajectory.
No information was provided where the 249 newly minted HDEO will earn, whether employment will be found for them through placement agencies, or they will go into self-employment.
Being educated and/or trained does not necessarily transfer to work, employment or self-employment. The unemployment rate in Guyana remains high and there are many persons with skills and certifications who are part of the active workforce looking for opportunities, and some no longer actively participate.
