By Isaiah Braithwaite
Fifty women have embarked on an incredible journey as part of the Guyana Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) Women in Solar Apprenticeship Program. They are learning to use technology that converts sunlight into electricity. Training is being done by the public utility company Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) through GUYSOL, funded through the Guyana-Norway partnership, and administered by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The course involves five weeks of classroom sessions covering practical and theoretical skills in solar energy.
Then, the trainees embark on an eight-month apprenticeship with GUYSOL, where they will get virtual coaching from the training firm Green Solutions International SKN Inc. The program aligns with a national drive to combat climate change and utilize renewable energy.
GUYSOL is developing eight utility-scale photovoltaic solar projects totaling 33MWp (Megawatt peak) of renewable energy, and the women will receive quality on-the-job experience. Social Management Specialist at GUYSOL, Chitra Singh-Samaroo, said the program addresses gender inequality in the energy sector by training women for technical positions where their participation is minimal.
She said the program positions them for sustainable careers in a field that helps Guyana transition to renewable energy. She added that the women will receive a stipend during their training. Traditionally, technical fields like solar photovoltaics are male dominated, and this program helps to redress this imbalance and promote gender equality.
“This initiative aims to equip women with technical skills and promotes their inclusion in a sector that offers growing economic opportunities. With the energy sector positioned to play a pivotal role in driving national development, it is crucial that women are prepared to participate meaningfully. Empowering women with these skills is not just important, it is essential to ensuring that the benefits of Guyana’s rapid development are shared equitably and sustainably,” Singh-Samaroo said.
The participants saw the training program as an opportunity to follow their dreams and break stereotypes. Winseena Welcome, a trainee from Kwakwani (Region 10), said seeing and understanding what it takes to run an efficient solar system has been intriguing. As her community suffers from regular power outages, she plans to install a solar PV system at home to help with the electricity supply after finishing her training.
“I would say the program might seem overwhelming, but everything is broken down very nicely for everyone…even if you start with zero knowledge…I’m interested in all the skills, knowledge, and experience that comes with the training,” she asserted.
Marieamma Desenmangarazon, a trainee from Region Six, said the program was exceptional, and she gained valuable knowledge about solar photovoltaics, in which she is keenly interested. She believes the training program will give her all the skills, knowledge, and experience required for a lucrative career in solar energy.
She said, “Solar photovoltaics isn’t hard. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed…it’s fine to feel so at first…focus…do online research…that helps a lot…don’t listen to anyone’s negative thoughts…it’s really great training. Always remind yourself you’re capable of succeeding in anything once you put your mindset towards it.”
Denise Tull from Region Two said she took advantage of the training after falling in love with a solar farm she worked on for two months. “I can safely say to women who want to learn about photovoltaic systems…it is very interesting and fun.
“It’s learning the process of turning light energy into electrical energy and also meeting with other women who share the same interest.” She has found the experience enjoyable and educational and eagerly anticipates using her new skills.
Sophea Baksh of Region Five shared that learning new technical skills is something she always loved and learning about solar photovoltaic systems is one of those skills she has her eyes on.
Baksh said she was elated when she recognized the opportunity to pursue her dream. “I’m amazed at what I’m learning…It has been educational and enlightening…Solar PV systems are a clean [power] source and eco-friendly, which will help to reduce the carbon footprint…the consumption of fossil fuel will be reduced, resulting in a healthier environment for future generations.
“I would like to encourage women to give Solar PV training a shot…it’s a bit challenging at first to remember everything, but as long as you set your mind and take up the challenge, you will succeed. Let’s not forget about having self-confidence…you will achieve anything you set your mind to achieve,” Baksh said. With a growing local demand for energy and a global shift towards renewable sources, the 50 women participating in the program are preparing for crucial roles in a smooth transition to renewable energy
