AS Guyana’s energy sector expands, so too does the national focus on local content and the creation of meaningful opportunities for its citizens. Central to this push is a shared commitment between government and private stakeholders to equip Guyanese with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving oil and gas industry.

That commitment was once again evident on July 17, when 32 trainee technicians graduated from Phase Two of SBM Offshore Guyana’s Trainee Technician Programme.

The programme is delivered in three phases. Phase One takes place in Canada, where trainees undergo Advanced Skills Training in Petroleum Operations at LearnCorp International (LCI), a privately owned institution operated by Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia. This phase focuses on both theoretical and practical instruction in their respective disciplines.

Upon completion, trainees return to Guyana for Phase Two at SBM Offshore’s Facility Simulator (FacTor), housed at the Guyana Technical Training College Incorporated (GTTCI) in Port Mourant, Berbice. There, they receive hands-on training in four critical disciplines: Mechanical, Instrumentation, Production, and Electrical. The simulator replicates a realistic offshore environment, providing practical experience in operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance through guided training, coaching, and assessments.

The final phase takes place onboard SBM Offshore’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, reminded attendees that the true value of the industry lies beyond economics.

“It’s not just about the cash flow aspect of the operations that’s important to the country, but about developing opportunities for people, businesses, and communities. We must invest in Guyanese people so that you can be the ones developing your own national resources in the long term.”

His sentiments reflect a broader approach gaining traction across the sector, one where local content is measured not only in local contracts, but in the development of human capital. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, echoed this view, applauding the private sector for aligning with the government’s vision and acknowledging the perseverance of the graduates.

“The very fact that you successfully competed through multiple rounds of selection to get into this programme is a testament to your ability, talent, and potential.”

SBM Offshore Guyana’s Country General Manager, Martin Cheong, also reinforced the company’s long-term commitment:

“We firmly believe that investing in education and training lays the foundation for long-term development and meaningful progress.”

Valedictorian Krystal Trim, representing the graduating class, reflected on their journey and the path ahead.

“We leave to be part of a tradition of excellence. The lessons we’ve learned will be useful whether we are troubleshooting complex systems, managing risks, or leading safety initiatives. This isn’t the end; it’s just the launch.”

While the graduation marked a major milestone for the 32 technicians, it also symbolised the industry partners’ broader and sustained investment in Guyana’s workforce. Across the country, companies are working alongside government and educational institutions to deliver training that is both accessible and aligned with industry needs.

One such initiative is the continued support for the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) under the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI). Most recently, this partnership led to the sod-turning for Guyana’s first Occupational Safety and Health Centre of Excellence at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. Once completed, the centre will offer Caribbean Vocational Qualifications (CVQ) Level Three certification and serve as a hub for safety training both nationally and across the region.

Backed by ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited through a US$100 million commitment, the GGI also supports TVET institutions in Regions Three, Five, Six and 10. These investments build on the TVET Upgrade Project launched in 2019, which focuses on facility upgrades, curriculum modernisation, and expanding access to skills training tailored to the oil and gas industry.

Ultimately, the legacy of Guyana’s oil and gas sector will not be defined by production numbers or profits alone—it is also being written in classrooms, simulators, and training centres across the country. By aligning with Guyana’s local content goals, oil companies are helping to build a skilled, future-ready workforce—one capable of leading the development of the country’s resources for generations to come.

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.