A Canadian education institution is collaborating with the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) to offer Programmable Logic Controller training for the manufacturing sector here.
GOAL and George Brown College (GBC), one of Canada’s leading experiential learning institutions, stated in a joint release yesterday, that the two will be launching the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Technician Certificate Programme for manufacturing companies in Guyana. It explained that the government via GOAL, will be managing the programme.
PLC training, the release informed, is “crucial” for industrial automation, and assists in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs by providing “seamless” control and monitoring of machinery and processes.
According to the release, 43 persons have been selected by their employers to participate in this programme. GBC’s key priorities include engaging and building international connections that contribute to skills development and a better future for learners. The training was supposed to commence in August, allowing manufacturing practitioners in Guyana to learn and receive instructional support from the college’s dedicated online student support centre. The programme provides theory and hands on experience on PLC systems through simulation labs and computer-based testing. It will also cover essential manufacturing industry topics, including PLC hardware and software, ladder logic programming, fundamental troubleshooting techniques, system integration, and machinery maintenance.
The partnership between the GOAL and GBC, the release noted, is indicative of a strong commitment to investing in human capital in Guyana and is in keeping with the commitment of President Irfaan Ali to award 20,000 online scholarships that will gives Guyanese the opportunity to enhance their skills and academic qualifications through online learning.
The president remarked that the programme will bridge the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. “Therefore, by introducing the PLC technical programme, we aim to bridge the skills gap in our manufacturing industry, giving individuals the necessary competencies to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC systems efficiently. This initiative creates new job opportunities and raises Guyana’s industrial sector to global standards, increasing its competitiveness,”
As such he urged participants to “seize this opportunity with dedication,” while emphasising that the skills acquired from this certification will enhance their career prospects and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement. Ali also praised Director of GOAL, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, for his “exceptional” ability to establish partnerships with international institutions and work with the private sectors in Guyana in line with the government’s objective of nurturing a skilled workforce.
Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, who holds responsibility for all government scholarships, stated that the programme will equip employees with the skills needed to excel in the field of industrial automation. “The programme marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing quality technical education to our students and represents our government’s unwavering commitment to advancing technical education and fostering a skilled workforce”, she said.
