Father, son gain new skills through BIT training
As the Government continues to expand free skills training, residents of Sophia and surrounding communities are gaining practical knowledge through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) electrical installation programme.
A father-son duo hailing from Sophia took advantage of this life changing opportunity.
The electrical installation programme offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) at the Sophia Training Centre, saw 15 persons being equipped with a new technical skill.
For Devendranath Jawahir this opportunity has been a bonding experience, allowing them to learn at their pace. The training itself has provided an opportunity to improve his knowledge and better understand proper electrical installation.
“So far participating in the programme has been a good experience. You learn new things, meet different people and get different aspects of everything….and the fun part is that we get to do this together,” he said.
The father further explained that the training helped him recognise the importance of proper methods and safety when carrying out electrical work.
“You thought you were the do-it-at-home guy and whatever you did was the correct way, but when you came here you get a whole different idea. You realise what you were doing wrong and how you can operate on a better level,” the father said.
He said that he had encouraged his son to join after learning about training programme at a job fair and exhibition early this year.
“I told him he was near to finishing school and I didn’t want him to be at home just playing video games and wasting his time. I wanted him to do something with his life,” Jawahir added.
His son Rahul, said the experience has been beneficial. “It has been very educational and fun…This is a stepping stone. When I finish the course, I will seek employment,” he said.
Police Officer Joel Newton shared that he chose the programme after previously completing another BIT course in heavy-duty machinery operation.
“I think that nothing is too much for oneself when it comes to skills. I am grateful for the opportunity and it has impacted me a lot,” Newton said.
He explained that the training has helped him gain confidence in handling simple electrical tasks.
“I had a point at my home that was broken for about a year. Because of coming here and getting the opportunity to learn, I was able to change it…If I am able to give a helping hand to any neighbour or friend, I will do the same. In the future, I might be able to get my own job or go directly into the electrical field,” he said.
Participant Cadene Reid-Nelson, one of the two females who enrolled in the programme, described the training as a life-changing experience.
“My experience is life-changing. I am learning a lot and growing. The programme is very practical and hands-on,” she said, stating that, “This is to help me get the practical knowledge. If I am dealing with something that has to do with electrical installation, I know exactly what I am looking for and what I have to do,” she said.
Meanwhile, onother participants, Marvin Layne and Jaunetta Walters, also highlighted the importance of gaining skills that can support their future goals.
Layne shared that the training has allowed him to become more independent.
“Before the training, to get certain electrical jobs done within the home you had to pay someone. But now that you have the knowledge, you can actually do it yourself,” he said.
Additionally, Walters said she hopes to use the skills gained to support her entrepreneurial plans.
“I have intentions to learn about electrical and moving forward from there. I plan to start my own business after the electrician course,” she said.
Eighteen-year-old Mumtaz Hatton said the programme has introduced him to a new area of learning. “It has been very informative because I never really did electrical work before. It is a great learning system,” Hatton said.
He said the training has encouraged him to continue advancing his skills. “After this, I would like to go to Government Technical Institute (GTI) so I can further my studies and get my licence for contracting,” he said.
Hatton also encouraged other young people to take advantage of available training opportunities. “Get into training. Take advantage of these opportunities,” he urged.
BIT Training Officer Joshua Burnette later shared that programmes like these are helping participants develop skills that can benefit themselves and their communities.
“Training like this for young people is very good because they can do things at home. They can look after an outlet, a switch, put up lights and even assist their neighbours,” Burnette said, explaining that, “It helps the young people get an opportunity to learn a skill and better their lives. It gets them occupied and doing something productive,” he said.
Moreover, Burnette explained that many participants go on to further their studies, gain employment or pursue additional training after completing BIT programmes.
“Some students move on to GTI where they further their studies, some get employment and some come out to do more programmes,” he noted.
The BIT electrical installation programme continues to equip residents with practical skills aimed at improving employment opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
