Skills programme for retrenched sugar workers deemed a success – ministry

Graduates of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Industrial Skills Training Enhancement Programme (INSTEP).
Graduates of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Industrial Skills Training Enhancement Programme (INSTEP).

A report prepared by the GUYSUCO Training Centre- Port Mourant (GTCPM), on the Ministry of Natural Resources’ (MNR) Industrial Skills Training Enhancement Programme (INSTEP), has indicated that  many of those who participated have gone on to land jobs in the areas they received training.

A release from MNR yesterday noted that the programme was intended to build the capacity of former workers from the four decommissioned estates, as well as other residents of Berbice, by retooling them with alternative skills. “This held the expectation to generally increase the eligibility of said persons for their reintegration into the labour market and further expand their reach to have them support the direct and indirect services of the rising oil and gas sector, mining, agriculture and other economic sectors,” the ministry explained.

It was further stated that with the completion of the succession report by the GTCPM, it was the pleasure of the ministry to note that, “the programme’s expected outcomes have been achieved…” the ministry reported.

It was stated that those who participated in the programme were exposed to weekly 10-hour training sessions from June 22 to September 8, 2018. The courses included Basic Motor Vehicle Services and Minor Repairs, Basic Welding and Fabrication, Basic Refrigeration and Basic Electrical Installa-tion.

The release said that of the 86 graduates who benefitted from the skill enhancement courses, many of those who graduated the programme were able to secure employment in areas including welding and fabrication, construction, mechanics, agriculture, manufacturing and production, among other areas. Others went on to further their education in various fields.

“The Ministry is pleased to have facilitated this collaborative capacity building project and to have aided in the enhancement of the participants’ skills and their eventual reorientation in the labour market,” the ministry stated. “We further commend the graduates for their incredible resilience and their determination to develop themselves in this regard. The Ministry also looks forward to receiving more reports which capture the progress that the participants continue to make since their completion of the project,” it added.