TVET no longer an alternative pathway but a strategic pillar in building a resilient nation – DCEO 

The Ministry of Education, through its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Unit, is hosting its annual TVET Fair and Exposition at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The two-day event, which runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, brings together more than 44 participating entities, including secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, public and private sector businesses, government ministries, non-governmental organisations, and representatives from the health, hospitality, construction, agriculture, and oil and gas industries.

The expo is an ambitious and inspiring showcase of the vast opportunities and talents emerging through TVET in Guyana.

In delivering her opening overview, Assistant Chief Education Officer for Technical, Mrs. Marcia Paddy-Andrews, emphasised the transformative vision that underpins this year’s theme: “Empowering Youths, Elevating Skills: TVET as Catalyst for Inclusion.” She described the theme as more than a catchphrase; but a call to action that recognises the urgency of investing in young people, refining practical skills, and removing systemic barriers.

The ACEO (Tech) pointed to the significant strides made by the Ministry over the past five years in strengthening Technical Education across Guyana. She underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of geographic location, is afforded the opportunity to explore at least one area of technical and vocational study.

This has been made possible through targeted financial investments by the Government of Guyana, resulting in the construction and rehabilitation of Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) and Practical Instruction Departments (PIDs) across all educational districts.

She described the exposition not merely as an event but as a movement, a dynamic platform for unlocking the untapped brilliance of youth and positioning TVET as a cornerstone for national development and equity.

Mrs. Paddy-Andrews noted that the fair is an intersection where innovation meets inclusion, where skills intersect with opportunity, and where empowerment converges with equity. She praised the youth of Guyana for not waiting for change but becoming the very force driving transformation through TVET.

Throughout the expo, patrons can witness firsthand the ingenuity and innovation of students and institutions across the country. From sustainable energy solutions and green technologies to construction prototypes, digital creativity, and advancements in smart agriculture, the exhibits demonstrate the diverse and meaningful opportunities that TVET provides. The public can expect to see displays and demonstrations in areas such as electrical installation, welding, carpentry, fabric decoration, agro-processing, aquatic farming, and block making, among many others. These disciplines reflect the everyday applications of TVET, from how we eat and sleep to how we travel, work, and engage in recreation.

Mrs. Paddy-Andrews highlighted the contributions of schools toward national food security and economic growth.

Schools have collectively produced more than 25,000 pounds of chicken annually, cultivated steady supplies of fresh produce, and expanded into agro-processing. Industrial Technology departments and PICs have manufactured furnishings such as benches, stools, and worktables for schools. These efforts speak volumes about the integration of TVET into the heart of community and national life.

Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Technical Education, Dr. Ritesh Tularam, remarked that Guyana currently stands at a critical point of transformation, with growth in sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, technology, construction, and renewable energy demanding a skilled and adaptable workforce. He asserted that TVET is no longer a secondary or alternative pathway but a strategic pillar in building a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive nation.

Dr. Tularam pointed to the historic investments and achievements under the Ministry of Education and Government of Guyana. These include the construction, retrofitting, and retooling of TVET facilities in every region; the ongoing training of TVET educators; the revision of the curriculum at Grades 7 to 9; the rollout of Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programmes in 74 schools, up from just 9 in 2019; the development of Guyana’s first-ever TVET Policy; and the creation of a TVET Management Information System to ensure equitable access and quality delivery across the board.

He emphasized that the exposition is not simply a display of skills, but a powerful showcase of what happens when young people are provided with the tools, training, and support to succeed. It is where ideas are transformed into prototypes, where ambition is shaped into innovation, and where dreams find a path forward through purpose. Dr. Tularam saluted instructors, institutions, industry partners, and other stakeholders whose unwavering commitment is bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring that every Guyanese has a stake in the nation’s progress.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand reflected on the transformational progress that has taken place under her leadership since 2019. At that time, only nine secondary schools were offering four CVQ subjects. Today, due to strategic planning, careful investment, and the establishment of supporting infrastructure, 74 secondary schools across Guyana now offer 24 CVQ programmes.

Minister Manickchand described this as a clear reflection of love, investment, and deliberate efforts to prepare the nation’s children for the Guyana that is being built before our eyes. She shared recent milestones, including the commissioning of the Mabaruma PID in Region One, the Hopetown, Region Five, Beterverwagting, Region 4 and Fellowship, Region Three PICs, and upcoming commissioning events in St. Ignatius, Region Nine, and Bartica, Region Seven. These developments bring the total number of regions with state-of-the-art TVET institutions to nine out of ten.

Minister Manickchand stressed that education in technical fields is no longer an afterthought but a mainstay of national planning. With new facilities, expanded programme offerings, and a relentless focus on accessibility, the Ministry is building an ecosystem in which children and young adults, regardless of background, can be trained, certified, and empowered to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s development.