-facilitator says Guyanese putting 150% effort into training

THE first batch of recruits for the TotalTec Petroleum and Maritime Academy has exceeded all expectations so far, Director of the Academy, Lars Mangal has said.

Mangal was not the only one who the recruits impressed, as Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and other distinguished officials shared similar sentiments after a visit to the academy last Friday. “The school is exceeding every expectation I had; the calibre of individuals is far exceeding anything I would have expected and you could see the excitement and enthusiasm,” said Mangal in an invited comment.

The first batch which comprises 23 persons has so far excelled in all their courses, and according to the director it will only get better. “They have 150 per cent hearts and minds immersed in the programme; they have continued to assess themselves and team mates,” said one of the instructors from Scottish company–First Competence Limited Aberdeen, Andy Goodrich

Minister Trotman during an interactive session with the recruits said, they are the pioneers because they will be some of the first persons to work both onshore and off-shore in the budding oil and gas industry. “Every Guyanese will look up to you, so you have to set a good example because your impression will be the first; it comes with a lot of pressure but you are keen and committed so you all will make it,” said the minister.

The recruits were advised that the certification they will receive will make them equally qualified as persons from around the world who work in the industry. The nine-week training programme encompasses many techniques and the minister reminded the recruits that although they will be somewhat professionals in the field after completion, they need to ensure that safety is first.

In response to queries about the enforcement of safety standards locally, the minister said that the Ministry of Social Protection is studying a draft regulation and is working closely with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to ensure that standards are in place for the industry.

Minister Trotman believes that with the advent of an oil industry locally, the standards in every sector will rise. In the meantime, the academy has started to play its role in ensuring that the recruits are ready for the new industry.

Goodrich said the recruits are being taught 60 courses which include working on heights, practical training, rigging and lifting among other things. The space at Houston which TotalTec had acquired from Gafoors has been transformed into a practical centre which is equipped with modular features of an oil rig. Goodrich believes that the training ground is and will be the biggest that he sees for the foreseeable future.

After the successful completion of the programme, the recruits will be deployed to various jobs in the industry. In the event no immediate jobs are available, persons will remain on TotalTec’s payroll and work with the Guyana Shore Base Inc. (GYSBI) shore base until such time that they get a job.