As Guyana's economy expands because of the oil and gas industry, we need to continue to ask ourselves if we are preparing enough Guyanese to take advantage of the new industries and jobs emerging along the way. The move towards a greener economy is creating demand for skills that may not have been part of the traditional job market for many people. Think about solar panel installation and maintenance, electric vehicle repairs, sustainable farming and agro-processing. These are practical areas of work that can support environmental goals while creating opportunities for people to earn an income, start businesses and contribute to their communities.
Last week at the launch of the solar EV charging infrastructure at UG, The Board of Industrial Training’s (BIT) Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn, shared that between 2020 and 2026, the agency implemented or started 52 green-skills training projects, benefiting 751 people. Women accounted for approximately 74 per cent of those participants. The programmes have included training in solar technology, sustainable farming and agro-processing.
These opportunities are particularly important as Guyana continues to experience major economic changes. The growth of the oil and gas industry is driving investment and increasing activity across construction, transportation, manufacturing and other supporting sectors. At the same time, the country is investing in renewable energy and exploring ways to make better use of its natural resources. These areas do not have to compete. A growing economy needs different skills, and there is room for Guyanese to participate in more than one part of that development.
There is also an opportunity to encourage more young people to consider technical and vocational training as a serious career path. Not everyone has to follow the same route through university to build a successful future. Skilled workers are needed to install electrical systems, maintain equipment, repair vehicles, work with renewable energy and support modern agriculture. These are valuable skills that can provide a pathway to employment and entrepreneurship.
Guyana's development is creating new possibilities, and we must ensure that Guyanese are equipped to benefit from them. Continued investment in training, access to equipment and stronger links between training institutions and employers will be important. A greener economy will depend on the people who know how to install, operate, maintain and improve our systems. As Guyana moves forward, building those skills is just as important as building the infrastructure. This provides an opportunity to ensure Guyanese have the training and knowledge to build our nation
.png)
