Scotiabank partners with Youth Challenge Guyana to strengthen youth employability through skilled trades

Scotiabank Guyana has partnered with Youth Challenge Guyana for Launching Out, a six-week plumbing training programme, enhanced with life-skills instruction. Backed by a GY$6,517,440 investment, the programme aims to strengthen the employability, entrepreneurial capacity and long-term economic resilience of young people across Guyana.

Youth Challenge Guyana has over thirty years of experience, delivering life-skills, technical training, and community development programmes. This expertise will be leveraged for the Launching Out programme which commences next week, on March 23, 2026, and will equip participants with comprehensive plumbing training and preparation for the Contractor Licensing procedures.

The technical training will be delivered alongside essential instruction in topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, self-management, relationship management, work ethics, and occupational safety. In addition to strong practical training by certified instructors and technical educators, internship opportunities will be sought for participants to improve their skills and develop experience with the world of work.

Dmitri Nicholson, Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana shred “The partnership between Youth Challenge Guyana and Scotiabank Guyana Inc. to train young people in plumbing and life skills is more than just a training opportunity. It’s a pathway to dignity and stability. Technical training equips youth with employable skills, and life skills foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. It’s a reminder that when opportunity meets guidance, communities grow safer and futures grow brighter. This collaboration further demonstrates both organizations commitment to a successful future for Guyanese youth.”

The programme addresses critical obstacles to employment faced by vulnerable youth and responds to the growing need for qualified tradespeople in Guyana. Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “At Scotiabank, we’re proud to support programmes that equip young people with practical skills and competencies for today’s workforce. This partnership with Youth Challenge Guyana helps young people better understand their career options and take advantage of opportunities in technical and vocational employment, as well as entrepreneurship. By building income-generating skills, we are supporting not only individual livelihoods, but also stronger families and a more resilient economy.” (Scotiabank press release)