GUYANA’S oil and gas sector has achieved another significant milestone with the recent graduation of 24 SBM Offshore Guyana Trainee Technicians. These graduates completed their training at the Facility Simulator (FacTor) Unit of the Guyana Technical Training College Incorporated (GTTCI).
This cohort is the first to undergo training at the GTTCI, where they spent nine months honing their practical skills in four key areas – Instrumentation, Production, Electrical, and Mechanical. The next phase of their training will take place onboard the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, where they will gain hands-on experience in a real-world environment.

Notably, while these trainees are the first to be trained at the GTTCI facility, they represent the third group of individuals trained by SBM Offshore Guyana under the Trainee Technician Programme. In 2023, 24 Guyanese trainees completed Phase One of the programme, which included Advanced Skills Training in Petroleum Operations at LearnCorp International (LCI) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Presently, another 24 Guyanese trainees are undergoing similar training at the LCI facility to prepare for technical roles on the Prosperity FPSO.

The FacTor facility is a groundbreaking investment, valued at US$13 million, and is the first of its kind in the region. It is a fully functional plant that simulates the operations of real offshore platforms using water and air. This advanced facility is the result of a collaboration between SBM Offshore Guyana, Stabroek block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Corporation, China National Offshore Oil Corporation, and the Government of Guyana.

This facility is a live processing plant with a central control operation utilising the latest distributed control system. It enables participants to engage in practical operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities—skills that are crucial for the success and safe operations of the FPSO.
The technological advancements at the FacTor facility ensure that Guyanese trainees receive internationally recognised training, positioning them for excellence in the oil and gas sector. By offering hands-on training in multiple technical disciplines, the need for overseas training is eliminated, and the programme remains free of charge, demonstrating the oil and gas companies’ commitment to building local content.
The Government of Guyana, in partnership with these companies, has effectively supported local content through strategic policies and funding. The common goal is to equip Guyanese with the necessary tools to manage and excel in the oil and gas sector. As Guyana aims to produce over 1 million barrels of oil per day, initiatives like the FacTor facility are essential in preparing the local workforce for this significant expansion.