Education Minister Priya Manickchand has emphasised the substantial transformation within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector since the return of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to Government. This includes the expansion of institutions delivering technical subjects and a marked increase in student interest.
She made this announcement on Tuesday during the opening day of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE’s) TVET Unit annual TVET Fair and Exposition at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The two-day event, from 09:00h – 16:00h brings together more than 44 participating entities, including secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, public and private sector businesses, Government ministries, non-Governmental organisations, and representatives from the health, hospitality, construction, agriculture, and oil and gas industries.
The expo is an ambitious and inspiring showcase of the vast opportunities and talents emerging through TVET in Guyana.
According to the Education Minister, out of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, nine are home to TVET institutions, ensuring that skills training opportunities are widely accessible.
“When I came into office in 2019, we had nine secondary schools offering just four CVQ subjects. I want you to hear me—nine schools, four subjects. Today, because of conscious investment, planning, getting on the ground, and putting the facilities in place, we now have 74 secondary schools across Guyana offering 24 CVQ subjects. That, my friends, is what love looks like.”
She added that this is what investment in education looks like, and that it forms part of ensuring Guyana’s children are prepared for the rapidly developing country before our eyes.
“When I came into office, we did not have any organised TVET centres in Regions One, Five, or Seven,” she noted, adding that interest in TVET has since grown tremendously among students.
“I think in the last five years, I have donned more hard helmets, vests, and boots than any other Minister of Education or otherwise in the history of this country. And I say that with comfort and confidence. We have been consciously and consistently building schools across this country—and we take safety seriously.”
Meanwhile, in delivering her opening remarks, Assistant Chief Education Officer for Technical and Vocational Education, (ACEO -Technical) Marcia Paddy-Andrews, emphasised the transformative vision that underpins this year’s theme: “Empowering Youths, Elevating Skills: TVET as Catalyst for Inclusion”.
She described it not as a mere catchphrase, but a call to action that recognises the urgency of investing in young people, refining practical skills, and removing systemic barriers.
The ACEO -Technical highlighted the Ministry’s significant strides over the past five years in strengthening technical education across Guyana. She underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every student—regardless of geographic location—is afforded the opportunity to explore at least one area of technical and vocational study. This has been made possible through targeted financial investments by the Government of Guyana, resulting in the construction and rehabilitation of Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) and Practical Instruction Departments (PIDs) across all educational districts.
She described the exposition not merely as an event, but as a movement—a dynamic platform for unlocking the untapped brilliance of youth and positioning TVET as a cornerstone for national development and equity.
Mrs Paddy-Andrews noted that the fair is an intersection where innovation meets inclusion, where skills meet opportunity, and where empowerment converges with equity. She praised the youth of Guyana for not waiting for change, but instead becoming the very force driving transformation through TVET.
Throughout the expo, patrons can witness first-hand the ingenuity and innovation of students and institutions from across the country. From sustainable energy solutions and green technologies to construction prototypes, digital creativity, and advancements in agriculture, the exhibits demonstrate the diverse and meaningful opportunities that TVET provides.
The public can expect to see displays and demonstrations in areas such as electrical installation, welding, carpentry, fabric decoration, agro-processing, aquatic farming, and block making, among many others. These disciplines reflect the everyday applications and core purpose of hosting this exposition and fair.

Source: https://guyanatimesgy.com/manickchand-highlights-tvet-advancements-as-moe-hosts-fair-expo/