Edghill calls for greater investment in technical training amid rapid development

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill has called for stronger investment in technical education and workforce development as Guyana continues its rapid economic and industrial transformation.

Speaking at the opening of Macorp’s new industrial facility, Edghill said Guyana’s unprecedented growth across infrastructure, agriculture, mining, energy, and construction sectors has created an urgent demand for skilled local workers.

“Machines alone cannot build a nation. Every piece of equipment requires skilled people to operate it, repair it, maintain it, and manage it efficiently,” the minister said.

Edghill noted that Guyana will increasingly require mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, welders, hydraulic specialists, industrial technicians, and equipment operators to support the country’s expanding economy.

He urged private sector companies, particularly those within the engineering and heavy equipment sectors, to invest more heavily in scholarships, apprenticeships, internships, and structured training programmes for young Guyanese.

“Corporate Guyana must recognise that investment in people is just as important as investment in buildings and equipment,” he said.

The minister emphasised that Guyanese workers must move beyond simply operating machinery and become engineers, innovators, supervisors, and technical leaders within modern industries.

“As the world moves toward smarter and more advanced industrial systems, our workforce must be trained to work with modern diagnostics, automation, and advanced engineering technologies,” Edghill stated.

He also highlighted government’s efforts to strengthen technical and vocational education, including investments in training institutions and the construction of a world-class technical training college in Port Mourant.

Edghill stressed that reliable technical support and after-sales services are essential for keeping major national projects on schedule, warning that equipment downtime can lead to costly delays across infrastructure and industrial operations.

He said Guyana’s future remains bright and full of opportunity, but sustained development will depend on building strong local technical capacity and creating meaningful opportunities for the country’s young people.