Forty-seven graduate from GUYSUCO training centre
- Apprentices urged to help in nation building
Guyana Chronicle
July 7, 2003
GINA - THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Training Centre, Port Mourant (GTC-PM), on Thursday churned out another 47 apprentices, when it staged the 42nd graduation exercise of the institution.
The graduands were drawn from sugar estates throughout the country.
The batch, consisting of 46 males and one female, was admitted to GTC-PM in 1999 and have successfully completed four years of rigorous training in several fields, including fitter machinist, agriculture mechanic, electrician, auto electrician, instrument repairs mechanic and sugar boiler.
The apprentice’s programme began in 1957 with an initial intake of 16 persons and over the years approximately 2,000 persons have been trained.
Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh in delivering the feature address said the apprenticeship programme contributes significantly to the level of social cohesion in the society.
He noted that the programme has pioneered the integration of women into areas of work, which were previously regarded as the sole preserve of men, and urged. that more women be admitted to the Training Centre.
Minister Sawh pointed out that the apprentice’s programme not only equips those undertakimg it with the requisite skills for field and factory operations, but it has also ensured the development of well-rounded individuals with positive attitudes towards work and social interaction.
“We need your skills to help build Guyana and our future rest on your shoulders. I wish you every success in your endeavours. I trust that the same spirit of cooperation that has characterised your student days will spill over into your professional lives. I hope you will continue to utilize the skills that you have acquired for the betterment of yourselves and your country,” Minister Sawh told the graduates
He noted that the sugar industry has an important role to play in the development of this country, adding, “It is considered to be the very life blood of many of our rural communities and for most of this country’s history has been the source of many of our technological, educational and cultural changes.”
He spoke of the many challenges facing the industry, in an increasingly competitive global trade environment, and as a result the sugar industry needs to be some urgent movement so as to improve its productivity, not only to compete, but too, to be successful.
Also, emphasis must be placed on adequate training on human resources to produce persons who are highly skilled in the sciences of production, business and marketing.
Remarking that the sugar industry has performed well in recent years, whereby production has increased significantly, Minister Sawh noted that efficiency has also increased substantively.
“This is clearly a time of great change in the sugar industry and it is therefore evident that the need for trained personnel is greater. Government is well aware of the challenges ahead and will take all measures to ensure the survival of the industry and to guarantee that the appropriate environment continues to exist for its further development,” the Minister added.
He said too, workers and management must continue to work in partnership and recognise the overall prosperity of the industry, and that all stakeholders should work together in identifying the most cost-effective means of improving productivity while ensuring that the human needs of all the industry’s participants continue to be met.
“Government is aware of the sacrifices and dedication to duty of the sugar workers and their contribution to all levels to the transformation of the industry. The interests and welfare of sugar workers will be paramount in any decisions, which are made in respect to the future of this sector,” Minister Sawh assured.
Manager of the Training Centre, Mr. Floyd Scott, said the apprentices developed practical skills by making bolts and bar-b-que grills from old gas cylinders and repairing electrical appliances and air-conditioners taken from the Corporation’s vehicles.
They also designed stainless-steel plaques, he said, and pointed out that the work done by the apprentices earned the Corporation $3 million in revenue while the apprentices earned valuable experiences.
Noting that the apprentices were involved in both curricular and extra-curricular activities, Mr. Scott informed, however, that a system needs to be implemented to monitor the development of the apprentices on the estates.
GUYSUCO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Michael Boast remarked that the GTC-PM is a famous institution around the world, and that GUYSUCO is very proud of the institution.
He explained that with the establishment of the new modern factory at Skeldon, there would be a great demand for skilled persons to operate the most modern equipment that will be installed.
Mr. Boast told the apprentices that their graduation from the training school is the first step in the learning process, and urged that they upgrade their skills and education as the technologies in the world are changing.
He emphasized too, that the reputation of GUYSUCO rest on the shoulders of the apprentices to carry on the good name of the industry and past it on to the future generation.
“GUYSUCO needs your skills to be a world class organisation,” the CEO told the graduates. said Mr. Boast.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Vic Oditt in urging the apprentices to prove themselves on the various estates, spoke of the tremendous opportunities for the graduates to move up the corporate ladder. He noted that these days, younger persons are appointed to managerial positions.
He reiterated the role of the graduates to make GUYSUCO a world-class corporation.
Present at the graduation ceremony which was interspersed with musical interludes composed by the apprentices, were General Managers and other officials from all sugar estates countrywide.
Some of the apprentices received prizes for their achievements and good work at the training centre.