The Alliance for Change (AFC) has promised the development of a basic skills academy in every region if it is elected into government come 1 September.
The promise comes even as the current government expands such training throughout Guyana through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), under the purview of the Ministry of Labour. This is also done at Practical Instructional Centres, technical institutes and many secondary schools across Guyana.
At a recent public meeting in East Ruimveldt, presidential candidate Nigel Hughes lamented the growing number of foreigners performing basic jobs that could easily go to Guyanese with the necessary training.
Notably, most of these foreigners are Venezuelan migrants.
He told attendees that his party will provide citizens with opportunities to attain skills that will allow them to become self-sufficient and self-made through skills academies, which he described as a type of voluntary national service.
“We will train you for 10 to 12 months at those facilities in your regions, so you don’t have to travel from Region One to come to Region Six… we will train you there… and we will pay you while you are being trained because every citizen deserves an opportunity to be given a chance.”
Hughes said that the courses will involve scaffolding, welding, and all those related to the oil and gas industry, as well as construction and others relevant to the growing economy. Each successful candidate will then receive a certificate.
“When you are done and you pass the exam and you are certified we will give you two options… if you want to go and work, we will find you a job in the industry, whether it is construction, oil and gas; but if you are an entrepreneur, and you want to start your own business, we will give you the tools.”
Hughes explained that these new entrepreneurs will be backed by financial advisors who will aid in developing business plans and other relevant steps necessary for the successful management of their establishments.
The AFC leader added that an immigration policy will also be relevant to protect Guyanese jobs. This will ensure that basic jobs such as truck driving will not go to foreigners unless there are no more Guyanese truck drivers left in the country.
Hughes urged that it is the responsibility of the government to train citizens and place them in the best position to take advantage of the good fortune the country is experiencing.
