Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud; CEO of GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma; CEO of BIT, Richard Maughn; Political Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission, Daniel Bood, surrounded by participants of the Female Apprenticeship Programme and other stakeholders. (Source: Guyana Chronicle News)
THE Government of Guyana is advancing its commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by providing opportunities for Guyanese women to upskill in traditionally male-dominated fields.
In a landmark initiative, twenty women will embark on a two-year apprenticeship programme focused on electrical installations and basic solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, which commenced on March 3, 2025.
This initiative forms part of the World Bank’s Caribbean Efficient and Green-Energy Buildings Project, a regional programme designed to transform Guyana’s energy sector through sustainable energy solutions. The project aims to reduce energy consumption, expand the use of renewable energy in public buildings, and enhance the regulatory framework for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments across participating Caribbean nations.
The Female Apprenticeship Programme is financed by a grant from the Canada Clean Energy and Forest Climate Facility (CCEFCF), with additional support from the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP). It is being implemented through a collaboration between the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT), and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
Participants will receive comprehensive training in electrical installations, solar PV system design and maintenance, safety protocols, and environmental best practices. Additionally, they will gain entrepreneurial skills to enhance their capacity for career advancement.
The curriculum, designed by BIT, will combine theoretical instruction with hands-on practical experience, including workshops, fieldwork, and internships. Training sessions will be held at the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) office in Kingston, Georgetown, with a structured format of three-month training cycles followed by one-month breaks.
Upon completion, graduates will be awarded a National Apprenticeship Vocational Certificate, allowing them to pursue careers in the energy sector and advance their technical qualifications. This initiative seeks to build a workforce of competent professionals in electrical installation and solar PV technology, fostering economic growth and sustainability.
GENDER GAP IN THE ENERGY SECTOR
At the programme’s launch ceremony, held at the National Racquet Centre, it was announced that the twenty women, aged 16 to 35, hail from eight different regions of Guyana. The initiative represents a significant step toward gender inclusivity, encouraging female participation in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, highlighted the government’s strategic approach to ensuring women play a pivotal role in the transition to clean, renewable energy. She expressed optimism that the participants would serve as role models, inspiring other women to pursue careers in energy and technical fields.
“If you commit two years of your life, stay committed to it. Don’t quit halfway. This is something that is going to take you to a very good vantage point where you are not only able to empower yourself and others, but you are actively contributing to the development of your country,” Minister Persaud urged.
The Board of Industrial Training’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Richard Maughn, praised the participants’ resilience and determination in breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. He emphasised that female participation in non-traditional fields benefits not only the women themselves but also their households and the national economy.
Meanwhile, GEA’s CEO, Dr. Mahender Sharma, reassured the apprentices of continued support throughout the programme. He noted that while two years is a significant commitment, it is a necessary investment in high-quality technical training, ensuring participants acquire valuable, industry-recognised skills.
A National and Regional Commitment to Renewable Energy, the Female Apprenticeship Programme is a key component of Guyana’s involvement in the Caribbean Efficient and Green-Energy Buildings Project, which is supported by the World Bank. The Guyana-specific aspect of the project is financed through the International Development Association (IDA), which aids small-state economies like Guyana. The funding includes US$30 million from the IDA, an $8.2 million loan from the CCEFCF, and a $380,000 grant, specifically allocated for the apprenticeship programme.
Guyana’s role in the project includes: Retrofitting up to 260 public buildings with energy-efficient and renewable energy solutions; Achieving 51.46 GWh in lifetime energy savings from efficiency measures; Enabling 21.2 MW of renewable energy capacity; Reducing 434,720 tons of greenhouse gas emissions; and Providing apprenticeship and internship opportunities in energy-related fields.
Political Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission, Daniel Bood, emphasised that empowering women in the energy sector was not only a social initiative but an economic necessity. “Expanding and deepening the pool of skilled labour enhances productivity and drives economic growth,” he stated.
As Guyana expands its renewable energy sector, initiatives like this apprenticeship programme serve as a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development. By equipping women with technical skills, the government is fostering a diverse and capable workforce that will drive innovation and economic progress.
With the successful implementation of this programme, Guyana is making significant strides toward a low-carbon, energy-efficient future, while ensuring women are at the forefront of this transformation.
Article Source: Guyana Chronicle News
