In a strategic move to tackle a critical shortage of skilled heavy equipment operators, the national government has approved full funding for a specialized training program that will certify thirty new crane operators. The initiative, unveiled by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, emerges as a direct response to mounting concerns over workforce deficits that are impeding both port logistics and large-scale construction projects.
The program is structured as a public-private partnership, with the government collaborating with an established local crane operation company to provide comprehensive hands-on instruction. This partnership model is designed to ensure the training is aligned with current industry standards and immediate operational needs.
Officials directly linked the urgency of this workforce development to the escalating preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The government anticipates a surge in demand for certified operators to support the infrastructure projects and logistical frameworks essential for hosting the major international summit. Beyond the immediate event, the initiative is framed as a vital long-term investment in national economic resilience and infrastructure development.
Maurice Merchant further emphasized the program’s role in creating tangible career pathways, particularly for youth interested in technical and vocational fields. He characterized the opportunity as a significant entry point into a high-demand sector that is crucial to economic activity. The crane operator training was one of several agenda items discussed in the wide-ranging briefing, which also covered policy updates on healthcare, agriculture, sports, and diplomatic posts.