GUYANA’S rapidly expanding oil and gas sector continues to create significant employment opportunities across a range of fields. With over 6,500 Guyanese already directly employed in the industry, the sector is proving to be a major driver of local workforce development. Multinational company Baker Hughes has reported that 55 per cent of its local workforce is Guyanese, signalling a strong and growing local presence within this global industry.

The industry is like a well-oiled machine. It requires a diverse range of people to keep things running smoothly. Think offshore and onshore technicians, welders, mechanics, safety officers, and even office-based roles in human resources, finance, logistics, and communications. The industry also requires cooks, cleaners, drivers, domestic workers, and accommodation providers. It’s an all-hands-on-deck opportunity, and that deck has plenty of room for more Guyanese. With the sector being interconnected with nearly every major service industry, it requires collaboration and support from a broad base of the local economy.

To meet growing workforce demand for skilled professionals in the sector, local institutions continue to expand and strengthen their training and certification offerings. The Government Technical Institute (GTI) and Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) provide technical and vocational programmes in areas such as Electrical Installation, Welding and Fabrication, and Mechanical Engineering. These practical, skills-based programmes equip individuals with the competencies required to enter the industry as technicians and support personnel, who play a critical role alongside engineers in maintaining and operating energy infrastructure.

The University of Guyana (UG) also offers a wide range of academic qualifications that align with the sector’s needs. These include degrees in Petroleum Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Geological Engineering. Additionally, UG offers a Master of Science in Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy, providing advanced knowledge for those seeking leadership and specialist roles in the industry. These certifications and degrees are directly linked to employment opportunities within oil and gas companies, which continue to see a growing demand for engineers and technically trained professionals to support both onshore and offshore operations.

One of the critical certifications for offshore employment is the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET). The BOSIET training, equipped with hands-on learning facilities, including welding shops, lifting and rigging stations, technology suites, and 14-foot-deep survival pools, has enabled practical, skills-based learning that prepares individuals for real-world oil and gas environments. These efforts are helping to build national capacity and support Guyana’s goal of becoming increasingly self-reliant in providing skilled labour to the sector.

The sector has also made room for students and early-career professionals. Companies operating locally have introduced internship and apprenticeship programmes designed to build early exposure and develop technical expertise. ExxonMobil Guyana, for example, has supported student engagement through internship programmes, which are transitioning into permanent jobs. In addition, SBM Offshore Guyana recently launched an Education Support Programme, targeting women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) who pursue or plan on pursuing studies at UG, GTI, or the GITC. These initiatives reflect the sector’s commitment to inclusive workforce development.

Additionally, several platforms have been established to facilitate access to jobs and procurement opportunities within the industry. The Local Content Secretariat, which oversees compliance and access, offers a registration system for individuals and businesses seeking involvement in the sector. The Local Content App provides real-time updates on job vacancies, training opportunities, and procurement notices, helping users stay informed and responsive to industry needs.

The Centre for Local Business Development plays a key role in supporting local engagement. Its website and Facebook page regularly post job listings, training sessions, and procurement opportunities, while also offering capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local enterprises. Further information on job opportunities is also available via local newspapers, company websites, and social media platforms.

Guyana’s oil and gas sector represents a critical engine for national development. As more Guyanese become trained, certified, and integrated into the sector, the benefits of this transformation will continue to be widely shared. Continued investment in education, vocational training, and awareness will be essential to ensure that the local workforce remains at the centre of this rapidly evolving industry.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.