MACHINE Tech Guyana, in collaboration with Trident BMC, on Friday hosted a private open house at its Providence, East Bank Demerara warehouse complex, which also marked the official launch of a new workforce development programme aimed at enhancing local technical capacity.

The event was attended by Minister of Public Service, Zulfikar Ally, who lauded the companies for their investment in building Guyana’s skilled workforce and supporting the government’s drive for greater local participation in the country’s growing industrial and oil and gas sectors.

Machine Tech Guyana, which was established in May 2023, has been focused on developing local talent while continuously training its employees to operate specialised equipment. The company has also forged several strategic partnerships to expand its operational and technical capabilities.

Speaking at the event, Machine Tech’s Managing Director, Karl Heimbrock, highlighted the ongoing partnership with Trident BMC, which began approximately one year ago to increase efficiency and technical expertise.

Heimbrock revealed that six members of the company’s team are currently undergoing training to be qualified in specific carbon steel welding procedures, with plans for additional training as they advance. “We have other strategic partnerships in areas like crane lifting, hydraulics, and electronic tech with Altrad Sparrows,” he noted. “We’re also working with the Dickerman Group on tank cleaning and fabric maintenance, and we provide rental tools through Mason Specialty Tools and Drilling Tools International.”

The Managing Director underscored the company’s long-term vision to create a self-sustaining training ecosystem led by experienced professionals. “The task now is to get persons with 20 to 25-plus years of experience in the industry who can perform the next level of training for our personnel,” he explained.

As Machine Tech’s workforce advances, Heimbrock said training will eventually extend to more complex materials. “As people keep getting better in their trade, we’ll move them into working with more exotic materials like super duplex, duplex, and stainless steels,” he said.

The company’s current workforce includes 30 Guyanese employees and two Indian specialists, with plans to expand by hiring more skilled locals. “We’re looking for people with drive, passion, and interest in their trade,” Heimbrock said. “We’re here to support and build local talent for the long term.”

Minister Ally, in congratulating both companies, emphasized that the Government of Guyana continues to encourage joint ventures that focus on the upskilling and empowerment of Guyanese workers. He commended their investment in welding and fabrication development, noting its alignment with national efforts to prepare locals for opportunities within the oil and gas industry.

He further expressed government’s willingness to collaborate with Machine Tech Guyana and Trident BMC to ensure more Guyanese—particularly those from rural communities—are made aware of and benefit from such training opportunities.