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

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. Coordination with employment. The Committee notes the policy document developed by the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training of the Ministry of Education (TVET Council) for the period 2011-21, which is attached to the Government’s report. The Committee notes, however, that the policy document has expired, and that the Government indicates that it is currently developing a new TVET policy. The Committee further notes the information provided by the Government on the number of participants in the different vocational guidance and training programmes made available by the Government. In that regard, the Government reports that the TVET Council trained 8,846 persons in Guyana between 2018 and May 2023, of which approximately 40 per cent were women. The Government adds that, in 2022, 119 students were registered for the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) programme, available in eight schools across Guyana. Moreover, the Government indicates that it allocated 488.5 million Guyana dollars to the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), which is responsible for the apprenticeship programmes within the industrial sector, to ensure the training of 7,890 persons in 2023. The Government further reports that, during the period 2019–22, over 281 persons with disabilities benefited from the BIT's programmes. In addition, the Government indicates that, in 2022, the BIT collaborated with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to train 440 persons from hinterland communities through the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). Furthermore, the Government reports that the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) trained 274 persons in the period 2020-22, of which 50 per cent were women, and is expected to train 238 more persons in 2023. The Government also reports that the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) attributed scholarships to approximately 21,442 persons between 2021 and 2023, with women comprising 75 per cent of recipients. Lastly, the Government indicates that the Technical Institute of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian National Energy Skills Center (NESC Technical Institute) signed statements of intent with three Guyanese technical institutes with a view to collaborate in addressing labour training needs in Guyana. The Committee notes, however, that the Government’s report does not contain the requested information on the impact of the different vocational guidance and training programmes in relation to the participant’s access to lasting employment, especially in rural areas. Noting that the policy document communicated by the Government has expired in 2021, the Committee requests the Government to provide updated information on the adoption of a new policy of vocational guidance and training, closely linked with employment, as provided in article 1(1), of the Convention, and to indicate how the lessons learnt from the previous policy fed into the new policy. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing updated and detailed information, including statistical data disaggregated by age and sex, on the number of participants to the different vocational guidance and training programmes made available by the Government. The Committee further reiterates its request for information on the impact of these programmes, in particular in relation to the participants’ access to lasting employment, especially in rural areas.

Article 1(5). Coverage of specific categories of workers. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in relation to the vocational training of specific categories of persons in its report on the Convention and in its report on the Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140). The Committee takes note of this information, which addresses its previous request.

Youth employment and training. The Government reports that 13,860 young persons participated in the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE), benefiting from training in various subjects such as electrical installation, fire safety, leadership, and more. Additionally, the Government indicates that over 100 young graduates participated in the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme launched in 2022 with the aim of encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture. The Government further highlights the establishment of a President’s Youth Advisory Council, facilitating youth engagement with the Government on various topics such as education. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that no study assessing the programmes' impact on the employability and employment of the young persons that benefited from them has been carried out. The Committee refers to its comment under the Unemployment Convention, 1919 (No. 2), in which it takes note of the persistently high levels of youth unemployment in Guyana andrequests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures specifically taken to promote and guarantee access to vocational guidance and training for young persons. The Committee further reiterates its request to provide information on the results achieved by these measures in terms of increasing the employability and employment of young persons.

Persons with disabilities in employment and training. The Government reports that, during the period 2019–22, the BIT registered over 281 apprentices with disabilities. However, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide information on measures specifically taken to promote and guarantee access to vocational guidance and training for persons with disabilities. The Committee recalls that article 1(5), of the Convention provides that the “policies and programmes [of vocational guidance and vocational training] shall encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society.” The Committee also recalls that paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195), calls on Members to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for people with nationally identified special needs, such as persons with disabilities. The Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the specific measures adopted or envisaged to promote and guarantee access to vocational guidance and training for persons with disabilities. The Committee also reiterates its request for information, including statistical data, on the impact of such measures on the employment of persons with disabilities.

Women in employment and training. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to article 19F of the Constitution, which guarantees every woman equal access to academic, vocational and professional training alongside men. The Government indicates that this constitutional provision supersedes ordinary law, including Section 3(1) of the Industrial Training Act, which refers only to male apprentices (boys). The Government adds that, notwithstanding the wording of Section 3(1) of the Industrial Training Act, the BIT has seen a significant increase in the number of women participating in apprenticeship programmes. The Government reports that, in the period 2020–22, the BIT registered 5,936 women apprentices, representing approximately 69 per cent of all apprentices for that period. The Government also indicates that, in 2022, the BIT collaborated with the Guyana Energy Agency, to train 200 women (including women with disabilities) in the building and maintenance of solar photovoltaic equipment. Moreover, the Government indicates that the BIT piloted several programmes of the TVET Council which have seen a greater participation from women as opposed to men. Some 70 per cent of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships have been attributed to women. The Committee welcomes the increase in the participation of women in the vocational training programmes made available by the Government. However, the Committee notes that the Government does not provide information on specific measures adopted to promote the equal opportunities and treatment of women regarding their access to vocational guidance and training, as required under Article 1, paragraph 5 of the Convention. The Committee also notes that, in its concluding observations of 30 July 2019, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women expressed concern with regard to: (a) gender and ethnic disparities in enrolment in technical and vocational education and the absence of such training centres in some regions and, (b) continued gender disparities in subject choice in higher education, with low enrolment of women and girls in non-traditional fields of study, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (document CEDAW/C/GUY/CO/9, paragraph (paragraph 35(c) and (d)). In view of the above, the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information on the specific measures taken or envisaged to promote equality of opportunity and treatment for women and men regarding access to vocational guidance and training in all branches of economic activity and at all levels of skill and responsibility. In this regard, the Committee reiterates its invitation, initially formulated in its 2022 comments under the Paid Educational Leave Convention, 1974 (No. 140), for the Government to consider amending Section 3(1) of the Industrial Training Act to explicitly refer to both women and men apprentices.In addition,the Committee reiterates its request to the Government to provide information, including statistical data, on the impact on women’s employment of the measures taken to promote their vocational guidance and training.)

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Government indicates that, in accordance with Section 3(2) of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act No. 11 of 2004, the members of the TVET Council are “nominated by organizations including professional organizations, industry, commerce, employers and labour”. The Government indicates that this provision is strictly adhered to in practice, ensuring representation of both employers’ and workers’ organisations on the TVET Council. The Government adds that it is currently developing a new TVET policy in collaboration with these organisations. The Committee notes that the version of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act which is available on the website of the Parliament of Guyana differs from the version of the Act provided by the Government with its report, including regarding Section 3(2) on the constitution of the TVET Council. The version available online provides in relevant excerpts that the members of the TVET Council include “two persons representing bodies established to promote the interest of members of the teaching profession [and] two persons representing bodies espousing the interests of employers”. Therefore, the Committee requests clarification from the Government regarding which version of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Act is in force and applies to the constitution of the TVET Council.The Committee also requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the involvement of the social partners is ensured in the formulation and implementation of the new vocational guidance and vocational training policy.

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

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.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

The Committee notes with deep concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments initially made in 2012. The Committee also notes that the Government has been requested to provide information to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference for failure to supply reports and information on the application of ratified Conventions.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. The Government indicates that it has achieved significant progress in adopting and implementing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training linked with employment through the Central Recruitment and Placement Agency (CRMA). The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with other industries and institutions to provide vocational education and training. The Government indicates that the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) developed a policy document, which is being reviewed by stakeholders. It is also working out strategies to standardize the various levels of TVET in the country. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it recalled that the terms “policies and programmes” under Article 1(1) of the Convention, imply a strategy consisting of policies to be implemented by means of concrete programmes (paragraph 145 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training adopted and their implementation. Please 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. The Committee notes that under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE), young girls and boys are trained in areas such as computer use, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration and information technology. Under the Single Parents Programme, a number of women were trained in areas including cosmetology, catering, garment manufacturing and clerical office practice. The Government indicates that there is an ongoing programme to train young women and single mothers in disciplines in which they are interested with a view to their empowerment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, and how they otherwise participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes with concern that the Government’s report has not been received. It expects that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. The Government indicates that it has achieved significant progress in adopting and implementing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training linked with employment through the Central Recruitment and Placement Agency (CRMA). The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with other industries and institutions to provide vocational education and training. The Government indicates that the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) developed a policy document, which is being reviewed by stakeholders. It is also working out strategies to standardize the various levels of TVET in the country. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it recalled that the terms “policies and programmes” under Article 1(1) of the Convention, imply a strategy consisting of policies to be implemented by means of concrete programmes (paragraph 145 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training adopted and their implementation. Please 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. The Committee notes that under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE), young girls and boys are trained in areas such as computer use, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration and information technology. Under the Single Parents Programme, a number of women were trained in areas including cosmetology, catering, garment manufacturing and clerical office practice. The Government indicates that there is an ongoing programme to train young women and single mothers in disciplines in which they are interested with a view to their empowerment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, and how they otherwise participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It expresses concern in this respect. It hopes that the next report will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2012 in reply to its previous comments. The Government indicates that it has achieved significant progress in adopting and implementing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training linked with employment through the Central Recruitment and Placement Agency (CRMA). The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with other industries and institutions to provide vocational education and training. The Government indicates that the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) developed a policy document, which is being reviewed by stakeholders. It is also working out strategies to standardize the various levels of TVET in the country. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it recalled that the terms “policies and programmes” under Article 1(1) of the Convention, imply a strategy consisting of policies to be implemented by means of concrete programmes (paragraph 145 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training adopted and their implementation. Please 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. The Committee notes that under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE), young girls and boys are trained in areas such as computer use, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration and information technology. Under the Single Parents Programme, a number of women were trained in areas including cosmetology, catering, garment manufacturing and clerical office practice. The Government indicates that there is an ongoing programme to train young women and single mothers in disciplines in which they are interested with a view to their empowerment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, and how they otherwise participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous comments.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2012 in reply to its previous comments. The Government indicates that it has achieved significant progress in adopting and implementing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training linked with employment through the Central Recruitment and Placement Agency (CRMA). The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with other industries and institutions to provide vocational education and training. The Government indicates that the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) developed a policy document, which is being reviewed by stakeholders. It is also working out strategies to standardize the various levels of TVET in the country. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it recalled that the terms “policies and programmes” under Article 1(1) of the Convention, imply a strategy consisting of policies to be implemented by means of concrete programmes (paragraph 145 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training adopted and their implementation. Please 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. The Committee notes that under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE), young girls and boys are trained in areas such as computer use, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration and information technology. Under the Single Parents Programme, a number of women were trained in areas including cosmetology, catering, garment manufacturing and clerical office practice. The Government indicates that there is an ongoing programme to train young women and single mothers in disciplines in which they are interested with a view to their empowerment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, and how they otherwise participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2012 direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2012 in reply to its previous comments. The Government indicates that it has achieved significant progress in adopting and implementing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training linked with employment through the Central Recruitment and Placement Agency (CRMA). The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with other industries and institutions to provide vocational education and training. The Government indicates that the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) developed a policy document, which is being reviewed by stakeholders. It is also working out strategies to standardize the various levels of TVET in the country. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it recalled that the terms “policies and programmes” under Article 1(1) of the Convention, imply a strategy consisting of policies to be implemented by means of concrete programmes (paragraph 145 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training adopted and their implementation. Please 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. The Committee notes that under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE), young girls and boys are trained in areas such as computer use, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration and information technology. Under the Single Parents Programme, a number of women were trained in areas including cosmetology, catering, garment manufacturing and clerical office practice. The Government indicates that there is an ongoing programme to train young women and single mothers in disciplines in which they are interested with a view to their empowerment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, and how they otherwise participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Article 1 of the Convention. Policies and programmes. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2012 in reply to its previous comments. The Government indicates that it has achieved significant progress in adopting and implementing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training linked with employment through the Central Recruitment and Placement Agency (CRMA). The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) with other industries and institutions to provide vocational education and training. The Government indicates that the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) developed a policy document, which is being reviewed by stakeholders. It is also working out strategies to standardize the various levels of TVET in the country. The Committee refers to its 2010 General Survey concerning employment instruments, in which it recalled that the terms “policies and programmes” under Article 1(1) of the Convention, imply a strategy consisting of policies to be implemented by means of concrete programmes (paragraph 145 of the 2010 General Survey). The Committee invites the Government to provide detailed information on policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training adopted and their implementation. Please 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. The Committee notes that under the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTYPE), young girls and boys are trained in areas such as computer use, pharmacy, cosmetology, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration and information technology. Under the Single Parents Programme, a number of women were trained in areas including cosmetology, catering, garment manufacturing and clerical office practice. The Government indicates that there is an ongoing programme to train young women and single mothers in disciplines in which they are interested with a view to their empowerment. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented within the TVET Council, and how they otherwise participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided any information on the application of the Convention since its last report received in 2003.

Repetition

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee recalls the Government’s reply to its direct request of 1999 regarding proposed amendments to draft legislation for the creation of a National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The Committee requests the Government to report on any progress achieved in adopting and developing comprehensive and coordinated policies of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, as provided in Article 1 of the Convention.

Article 1(5). The Committee refers to its previous comments regarding projects and programmes adopted by the Government to encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention and relevant information on initiatives to encourage the vocational training of women, as well as on the type of training used and the percentage of their participation.

Article 5. The Committee requests that the Government indicate the manner, procedure or consultative machinery instituted to ensure the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

The Committee requests the Government to provide any extracts, reports or other available material relating to policies and programmes of vocational training which target specific areas or particular branches of economic activity or specific population groups, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government has not provided any information on the application of the Convention since its last report received in 2003.

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee recalls the Government’s reply to its direct request of 1999 regarding proposed amendments to draft legislation for the creation of a National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and training. The Committee requests the Government to report on any progress achieved in adopting and developing comprehensive and coordinated policies of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, as provided in Article 1 of the Convention.

Article 1(5). The Committee refers to its previous comments regarding projects and programmes by the Government to encourage and enable all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, account being taken of the needs of society. The Committee requests the Government to include in its next report information on the implementation of projects and programmes in line with Article 1(5) of the Convention and relevant information on initiatives to encourage the vocational training of women, the type of training used and the percentage of their participation.

Article 5. The Committee requests that the Government indicate the manner, procedure or consultative machinery instituted to ensure the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for vocational guidance and training.

The Committee requests the Government to provide any extracts, reports or other available material relating to policies and programmes of vocational training which targets specific areas or particular branches of economic activity or specific population groups, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. In reply to its direct request of 1999, the Government indicates that, in view of the amendments proposed to the draft legislation for the creation of a National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the text must be changed and resubmitted to Parliament. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to keep it informed of the measures taken to implement the Convention through the adoption of legislative measures. It also requests the Government to inform it of any progress achieved in adopting and developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, as provided in Article 1 of the Convention.

2. Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes with interest the activity report of the Adult Education Association for the period January–June 2003, the training programme of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) for 2003 and the first annual report of the Guyana Training Agency (2002) financed by the European Development Fund with contributions from the private sector and supported by the Government of Guyana. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide practical information on the implementation of these projects and programmes as well as the difficulties encountered and progress achieved in encouraging and enabling all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work, as provided in Article 1(5) of the Convention. Please also include information on the initiatives to encourage the vocational training of women with an indication of the type of training followed and their percentage.

3. Article 5. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the way in which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and, as appropriate, of other interested bodies, is ensured in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, with an indication, for example, of the manner in which they have participated in the formulation and implementation of the above programmes and projects.

4. Please supply any extracts, reports and other available material relating to policies and programmes of vocational training targeting specific areas or particular branches of economic activity, or specific population groups, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. In reply to its direct request of 1999, the Government indicates that, in view of the amendments proposed to the draft legislation for the creation of a National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the text must be changed and resubmitted to Parliament. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to keep it informed of the measures taken to implement the Convention through the adoption of legislative measures. It also requests the Government to inform it of any progress achieved in adopting and developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, as provided in Article 1 of the Convention.

2. Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes with interest the activity report of the Adult Education Association for the period January-June 2003, the training programme of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) for 2003 and the first annual report of the Guyana Training Agency (2002) financed by the European Development Fund with contributions from the private sector and supported by the Government of Guyana. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide practical information on the implementation of these projects and programmes as well as the difficulties encountered and progress achieved in encouraging and enabling all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work, as provided in Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Please also include information on the initiatives to encourage the vocational training of women with an indication of the type of training followed and their percentage.

3. Article 5. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the way in which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and, as appropriate, of other interested bodies, is ensured in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, with an indication, for example, of the manner in which they have participated in the formulation and implementation of the above programmes and projects.

4. Please supply any extracts, reports and other available material relating to policies and programmes of vocational training targeting specific areas or particular branches of economic activity, or specific population groups, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. Article 1 of the Convention. In reply to its direct request of 1999, the Government indicates that, in view of the amendments proposed to the draft legislation for the creation of a National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the text must be changed and resubmitted to Parliament. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would continue to keep it informed of the measures taken to implement the Convention through the adoption of legislative measures. It also requests the Government to inform it of any progress achieved in adopting and developing comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, as provided in Article 1 of the Convention.

2. Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes with interest the activity report of the Adult Education Association for the period January-June 2003, the training programme of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry (CAGI) for 2003 and the first annual report of the Guyana Training Agency (2002) financed by the European Development Fund with contributions from the private sector and supported by the Government of Guyana. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide practical information on the implementation of these projects and programmes as well as the difficulties encountered and progress achieved in encouraging and enabling all persons, on an equal basis and without any discrimination whatsoever, to develop and use their capabilities for work, as provided in Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention. Please also include information on the initiatives to encourage the vocational training of women with an indication of the type of training followed and their percentage.

3. Article 5. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the way in which the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and, as appropriate, of other interested bodies, is ensured in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, with an indication, for example, of the manner in which they have participated in the formulation and implementation of the above programmes and projects.

4. Please supply any extracts, reports and other available material relating to policies and programmes of vocational training targeting specific areas or particular branches of economic activity, or specific population groups, as requested in Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

1. The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in reply to its 1994 direct request. The Government indicates that the draft legislation for the formation of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training has been completed and approved by Cabinet and should shortly be presented to Parliament. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report further details on the steps taken for the implementation of the Convention through the enactment of the said legislation. Please also report on any progress made to adopt and develop comprehensive and coordinated policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, closely linked with employment, in particular through public employment services, as required by Article 1 of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the Board of Industrial Training has recognized the gender disproportion in the annual output of graduate apprentices and that initiatives had been explored to improve the situation. The Committee trusts that the Government will include in its next report any information available on the progress achieved by the initiatives taken to encourage and enable women to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations, as required by Article 1, paragraph 5, of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes with interest the indications provided by the Government on the activities carried out by the Adult Education Association. It trusts that the next report will also contain further information on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to children, young persons and adults, in accordance with Article 3.

4. Please provide extracts or reports and other data available with respect to training policies and programmes relating to particular areas or branches of economic activity or to particular groups of population, as requested by Part VI of the report form.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

1. The Committee notes the succinct information supplied by the Government in answer to its previous direct request. It also notes the 1991 annual report of the Board of Industrial Training and observes that it deals mostly with initial training by means of apprenticeships. In this connection the Committee notes the indication that meetings were being held with a view to setting up a Technical Education Council to take over the functions of the Board of Industrial Training and the Technical and Vocational Training Division of the Ministry of Education. The Committee asks the Government in its next report to provide further information on the progress of these plans, indicating how account is taken of the objectives of Article 1 of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes from the statistical information in the annual report of the Board of Industrial Training that the proportion of female apprentices is low. It would be grateful if in its next report the Government would indicate the measures taken or envisaged, in accordance with Article 1, paragraph 5, to encourage and enable women to develop and use their capabilities for work in their own best interests and in accordance with their own aspirations. The Government is asked to refer in this connection to the Committee's request of 1993 concerning the application of Convention No. 111.

3. With reference to its previous requests, the Committee trusts that the next report will contain the information required by the report form on the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to children, young persons and adults, in accordance with Article 3. Please also provide the information already requested on the activities and vocational training programmes of the Adult Education Association, the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education and the other technical establishments referred to by the Government in its previous reports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes the brief information supplied by the Government following its previous direct request. It notes that consultations are currently taking place with a view to the formation of a Technical Education Council, which would take over the functions of the Board of Industrial Training and the Technical and Vocational Training Division of the Ministry of Education. The Committee requests the Government to supply further information in its next report on the progress achieved in this respect, and to specify the manner in which the objectives set out in Article 1 of the Convention are taken into account.

With reference to its previous direct requests, the Committee trusts that the Government's next report will contain the information required by the report form on the measures which have been taken or are envisaged to ensure that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to children, young persons and adults, in accordance with Article 3. Please also provide a copy of the Board of Industrial Training's Annual Report, referred to by the Government in its report, and supply the information requested previously concerning the activities and programmes of the Adult Education Association and the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education, and the other technical institutes mentioned by the Government in its previous reports.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Please provide additional information on the manner in which training programmes are effectively linked with employment through a placement service offered by the Ministry of Labour.

2. Please include a copy of the texts adopted by the Board of Industrial Training, defining the objectives of the technical education and vocational training policy so that the Committee can ascertain the way in which the factors referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4 of this Article are taken into account.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that information on vocational guidance by the Ministry of Education is not yet available. It trusts that the Government's next report will contain information on the various measures taken and on progress made in ensuring that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to the persons concerned.

4. Article 4. Please provide extracts of reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc. concerning the vocational training activities and programmes of the Adult Education Association and the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education, and the other technical institutes mentioned by the Government in its reports.

5. Article 5. Please provide a copy of the recommendations and any reports available on the activities of the Board of Industrial Training.

6. Part V of the report form. The Committee notes with interest that the ILO provided assistance to develop MES (Modules of Employable Skills). It requests the Government to indicate any action taken as a result of this technical assistance.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

The Committee takes note of the brief indications communicated by the Government in reply to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on the following points as listed in the Report Form:

1. Article 1 of the Convention. Please provide additional information on the manner in which training programmes are effectively linked with employment through a placement service offered by the Ministry of Labour.

2. Please include a copy of the texts adopted by the Board of Industrial Training, defining the objectives of the technical education and vocational training policy so that the Committee can ascertain the way in which the factors referred to in paragraphs 2 and 4 of this Article are taken into account.

3. Article 3. The Committee notes that information on vocational guidance by the Ministry of Education is not yet available. It trusts that the Government's next report will contain information on the various measures taken and on progress made in ensuring that comprehensive information and the broadest possible guidance are available to the persons concerned.

4. Article 4. Please provide extracts of reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc. concerning the vocational training activities and programmes of the Adult Education Association and the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education, and the other technical institutes mentioned by the Government in its reports.

5. Article 5. Please provide a copy of the recommendations and any reports available on the activities of the Board of Industrial Training.

6. Part V of the Report Form. The Committee notes with interest that the ILO provided assistance to develop MES (Modules of Employable Skills). It requests the Government to indicate any action taken as a result of this technical assistance.