Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Guyana (Ratification: 1983)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. Coordination with employment. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that the machinery for the development of comprehensive training programmes is the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET Council), as well as the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The human resources development policies aim to meet the changing demands for a skilled workforce by providing education and training during and after secondary school, developing competencies required for successful school-to-work transitions and making education and training opportunities available to all. The Government adds that the national technical and vocational education systems in place form part of the national education system. Information on vocational education and training programmes is disseminated through established national institutions, host agencies and the media. The Government further indicates that it is currently implementing two types of vocational guidance and training schemes: more traditional apprenticeship programmes lasting from two to four years; and a more contemporary programme, the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE), which is community-based and focuses on rural development. The Government indicates that both programmes fall under the supervision of the BIT. The Masters for the traditional apprenticeship programmes disseminate information about training, employment prospects and career guidance through established institutions such as the Government Technical Institute, the New Amsterdam Technical Institute, the Guyana Industrial Training Centre and other centres. The Committee notes that the NTPYE provides vocational guidance and training in both traditional and non traditional disciplines such as home economics, garments, construction, forestry, management and supervision, and information technology. The Committee notes that prior to implementing a new vocational training programme, the Government conducts a needs analysis in specific environments to ensure that the new programme meets the needs of the communities concerned. The Committee notes that, according to the Government’s website, since 2016, Guyana’s TVET institutions offer the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) in areas such as engineering, carpentry or graphic design. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of participants in the different vocational guidance and training programmes made available by the Government, including the CVQ scheme and, in particular, on their impact in relation to participants’ access to lasting employment, especially in rural areas. The Committee also once again requests the Government to provide a copy of the policy document developed by the TVET Council.

Article 1(5). Coverage of specific categories of persons by the vocational training system. In response to the Committee’s previous comments, the Government reports that the NTPYE provides vocational guidance and training for persons with disabilities. The Committee notes, however, that the Government does not provide any specific information with regard to the results of the NTPYE, the Single Parents Programme, or other vocational guidance and training programmes aimed at specific categories of workers who face particular difficulties in securing employment, such as young persons, single mothers and persons with disabilities. The Committee requests the Government to provide information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the content and scope of the programmes, their implementation, and results achieved with regard to vocational training and guidance provided for young persons, women and persons with disabilities, especially in the context of increasing their employability.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that the 2010–11 Policy on Technical and Vocational Education and Training proposed the involvement of the social partners in the development and implementation of education and training policies, but that no information is available concerning the extent to which this proposal has been implemented. Noting that the Government has provided no updated information in this respect, the Committee reiterates its request that the Government provide information on whether and to what extent employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, as well as on the manner in which it ensures in general that the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes is carried out in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies, as required under the Convention.