In an effort to meet the labour needs of Guyana’s booming construction sector, a programme focused on technical skills training for students was launched at the New Guyana School, in Georgetown, on Monday.
The new Project Management for Construction Professionals programme will provide students with the necessary skills to work in the construction sector.
According to the school’s programme manager Barbara Welch, the institution is always trying to improve the students’ experience while increasing their overall qualifications.
“The Project Management for Construction Professionals Course was developed to meet the expectations of stakeholders in the booming construction industry.
“The New Guyana School is committed to providing quality and accredited industry relevant courses to support the rapid growth Guyana is experiencing,” Welch said.
This new venture comes amid complaints of labour shortages in the construction sector. President Dr Irfaan Ali previously said the new projects in Guyana are developing but due to the limited availability of human resources, works are being stalled.
In the housing and building sector in Region Six alone, some 600 skilled or semi-skilled workers are needed to construct a minimum of 1,200 houses this year.
This 40- hour professional course will, however, provide students with knowledge of project management, the schematics of electrical and plumbing, construction documentation alongside real life experiences and cases.
Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal joined directors, senior officials and students at the school on Monday at the programme’s launch. In his remarks, the minister said this initiative will greatly benefit the booming construction sector.
“Our vision as a government is to ensure that every citizen has an opportunity to own their own home we have to be the enabling environment and one way in which we do that is to fully develop housing schemes [and] simultaneously to encourage innovation,” Minister Croal explained.
He further stated that the move is timely since government’s support in the sector has led to an increased demand for contractors. He said it is public knowledge that there is a need for skilled contractors especially those with the technical knowledge needed to successfully execute projects.
In extending the Government’s support, Minister Croal announced that through the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CHPA), three students will be sponsored to study the programme.
“To the students I want to extend my support and happiness that you have chosen this programme to embark on. I think it will help you and it will help your country,” the minister said.
The minister also praised the school for the programme which will touch on fundamentals of project management, techniques and strategies to ensure there is efficiency.
Minister Croal further emphasised the steps being taken by the Ministry of Housing and Water and CHPA to increase its engagement with contractors and builders. He also emphasised the steps being taken by the Ministry of Housing and Water and the CHPA, including the developing electronic single-window planning and permission system, will ensure the efficient implementation of construction projects.
