The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has empowered 9,331 women through its programmes over the last five years.
This is according to the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith.
During the Starting Point Podcast on Sunday, Minister Griffith said women have been dominating the courses, moving away from generic programmes like cooking and garment construction, and taking up opportunities that would benefit them more significantly.
“Because of the training that the government is offering, women are playing a direct role in the transformation of this country,” the labour minister stated.
BIT provides free technical and vocational training, offering over 80 courses nationwide to improve employability.
The programme includes heavy-duty equipment operation, electrical installation, welding, commercial food prep, information technology, and cosmetology.
The training is open to persons aged 16 years with no prior qualifications.
Minister Griffith explained that materials and equipment are provided to trainees depending on the course they are pursuing.
“We give them a stipend, and we ensure that they can complete the programme and see it to fruition.”
BIT has trained over 16,000 persons and almost 500 persons living with disabilities in the last five years. A total of 107 persons living with disabilities benefitted from training in the last year alone.
A visually impaired individual was able to establish a business due to the training received from BIT.
With training being an essential part of developing a country, the government has allocated $2.5 billion in the Budget 2026 to offset skill training and technical and vocational education across Guyana.
The Ministry of Labour, through BIT, will play a central role in implementing these programmes nationwide, ensuring access across all regions, including hinterland and riverine communities.
The allocation is intentionally structured to promote equal access and participation in the workforce, particularly for historically underserved groups.