UG students being snapped up to meet labour demands but Vice-Chancellor seeks more support

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin (Photo: News Room)

“What we are seeing now is that we can’t supply enough students to certain sectors,” the Vice Chancellor said, explaining that current students are among those being recruited.

Sectors where there is high demand, Professor Mohamed- Martin said, include finance and accounting, human resources, computing and engineering.

In recent weeks, local labour shortages have been a huge complaint from the private sector and it has been acknowledged by government.

Guyana’s Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, at a press conference last week, said the government is allowing some importation of foreign labour while encouraging local companies to provide transportation and accommodation for persons in Guyana living in outlying areas.

Dr. Jagdeo also said more women are needed in the formal labour force.

The Vice- Chancellor, however, believes that there should be more corporate support for students who will eventually work with companies seeking their skills.

She suggested that scholarships be provided to students to help cover their studies at the university, allowing them to study and graduate with greater ease.