Education Ministry hosts TVET fair, expo as access to technical subjects expands

As access to technical and vocational subjects improves across Guyana, the Ministry of Education on Tuesday launched a two-day Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Fair and Exposition to showcase students’ skills.

The event, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, highlights practical work in block making, painting, carpentry, welding, and agri-processing to students.

During the opening ceremony, Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that the education system has significantly progressed since 2020, with more subjects now available for students to earn the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ).

“When I came into office we had nine schools offering four CVQ subjects. Today, because of conscious investment planning, getting on the ground and putting the facilities in place, we now have 74 schools across Guyana offering 24 CVQ subjects,” Manickchand said.

She further highlighted that Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) have been established in nine of the ten administrative regions, with another set to be commissioned in Region Nine.

The minister emphasised that the ministry’s strong focus on technical training is aimed at preparing students for the evolving job market, particularly as Guyana’s economy expands.

“We want our children to be competent in what they are going to pursue. We want them to competitively engage in the various new arising sectors that are coming out of the oil and gas industry. We want them to earn,” she added.

Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Technical), said the ministry’s TVET policy ensures that students are equipped with practical knowledge. With expanded facilities in every region, more young people now have access to training and certification that were once only available in centralised locations.

He also noted that the ministry has introduced a management information system to support technical education, improving access across the country.

With secondary schools and institutions offering training in various technical fields, Dr. Tularam said the fair provides students with a platform to demonstrate their skills.

“I want for us to understand that this exposition is a celebration of what our young people can achieve when they are given the tools, training and support to succeed,” he said.

The ministry’s strategic introduction of technical subjects through the CVQ is designed to give students broader career options beyond traditional academic paths.