Graduates of apprenticeship programme have key role to play in engendering GuySuCo’s success - Agri. Minister
Written by Gina Webmasters, Published in News, July 9, 2015, Source
The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Wednesday churned out 78 young graduates during its 54th Apprentice Graduation programme at the Corporation’s Training Center, Port Mourant, Berbice.
The students received certificates after four years of intense training in several areas such as Fitting and Machining, Electrical and Instrument, Agricultural Mechanic, Instrument Repair Mechanic and Sugar Boiler.
Agriculture Minister Mr. Noel Holder in delivering the feature address underscored the importance of the industry, alluding to the fact that the continued success of the GuySuCo is equally dependent on personnel excellence as it is on teamwork and participation. In this regard, he said, the graduands have an important role to play in fostering the changes needed to engender the success of GuySuCo.
He added that the corporation’s fields and offices require core technical skills, as well as new competencies in order to effectively cope with the highly computerised and automated technology being implemented.
“The skills you now possess, will allow you access to a number of positions similar to the ones you studied…furthermore, there will be a number of advancement opportunities available in the future to enable you to play your part in continuing the improvement and success of the industry,” he said.
Minister Holder pointed out too, that graduation does not mean the end of studies, as it is the beginning of a process of learning much more. The students were reminded that GuySuCo’s training is intended to produce individuals capable of manning the industry.
In addition, the Agriculture Minister lauded the parents of the graduands for supporting them throughout their course. He commended the performance of the trainees over the last four years, contending that, given the current challenges facing the industry, a workplace culture attuned to its needs is required for forward movement.
Despite the challenges, the sugar industry continues to be the backbone of Guyana, significantly contributing to the country’s export earnings. With this new batch, the industry will see a significant number of new skills being added to its employees, hence contributing to GuySuCo’s endeavours to revive the industry.
Chief Executive Officer (ag), GuySuCo, Paul Bhim congratulated the graduands and staff of the institution for making this programme a continued success annually. He said GuySuCo is committed to being “worker friendly” and will always be open to them airing their concerns and offering solutions.
Meanwhile, Best Overall Performance by First Year Apprentice for Group A, B and C went to David Balkissoon- Rose Hall Estate, Randel Balkarran- Albion Estate and Stephen Bowen- Wales Estate.
Best Overall 1st year Apprentice went to David Balkissoon of Rose Hall Estate while the Alumni Award (CANADA) went to Naresh Singh also of Rose Hall Estate.
