Belize Launches GDS Pilot to Move Workforce Into High-Tech Digital Careers

Belize recently launched its Higher Tier Global Digital Services (GDS) Pilot Project, marking a major step in moving the country beyond traditional Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) work.  It’s a move that will help Belizeans to grow from basic customer support jobs like answering calls or handling chat support to tech-driven, professional digital careers like cyber security and cloud engineering. The initiative, funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), was one of only 7 projects approved from 111 regional proposals.  The hybrid trainings which were held both online and at the Belize Institute of Management (BIM) attracted overwhelming interest, with 600 Belizeans applying for the 50 available seats. Today, Love News spoke with Christian Junior, lead trainer of the program who described the benefits of a hybrid training and what measurements are going to be looked at from his pilot project.  

While the training focuses on digital advancement, coordinators felt it was equally important to equip participants with essential soft skills. Tanya Lizama, soft skills trainer at Quality Consulting, explained why her team believed this component was necessary.

Participants came from a wide cross-section of workers, ranging from a 17-year-old UB student to BPO training managers, IT technicians, university lecturers, startup founders, including veteran meteorologist Frank Tench, and other retired professionals eager to upskill. The program equips learners with skills in cybersecurity, cloud engineering, AI readiness, web development, digital marketing, and data analytics, capabilities that position Belize to compete in higher tier service export.   Trainees like 17-year-old Dorda Castillo, Akeem Gonzalez who works in management at Protel BPO spoke on their experience and purpose in the training.

According to organizers, the project is expected to boost Belize’s competitiveness, expand career opportunities, strengthen the local tech ecosystem, and position the country to export higher value digital services. Participants say one of the biggest benefits has been the opportunity to network and form new professional connections, helping build the human infrastructure needed for Belize’s digital transformation.  This project saw a seven-member coalition comprised of the Government of Belize, Chamberlain Consultancy, Socias, Galen University, and the Business Process Outsourcing Association, among others.