Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon says the Government has invested $27 million over the last three years is local apprenticeship programmes.

Speaking at this morning’s launch of the $1.95 million Steelpan Tuner Apprenticeship Programme, she commended the MIC-Institute of Technology for this and other initiatives that create opportunities for other key areas in the non-energy sector.

Minister Gopee-Scoon highlighted that due to the decline in the number of skilled steelpan tuners, there is an urgent need to pass on the knowledge and skills of this delicate craft to the next generation.

She also mentioned the Steelpan Manufacturing Grant Fund Facility among initiatives to boost the export of steel pans as part of the Government’s economic diversification.

This initiative has led to a 72% increase in steelpan exports from 2020 to 2023, supporting local businesses in reaching regional and international markets such as the USA, UK, Canada and beyond.