FOR a long time, many young people in Guyana felt that their dreams stopped at the edge of our coastline. Today, that horizon has stretched far beyond it, opening up a new world of opportunity driven by the oil and gas sector. As Guyana changes rapidly, the skills shaping this new chapter are rooted in STEM: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
But local content is not just about ticking boxes or filling quotas. It is about making sure Guyanese are genuinely prepared to take up the opportunities created by this industry. From a primary school pupil building their first robot at a community centre, to a young technician learning advanced welding at a technical institute, the road to opportunity is paved with problem-solving, practical skills and curiosity. If Guyana is to truly benefit from its natural resources, it must first invest in building the skills needed to manage them.
That journey does not begin at graduation. It starts early. Exposure to STEM subjects at the primary school level lays the foundation for confidence later on. When children are introduced to coding, basic engineering concepts and scientific thinking at a young age, mathematics and science become less intimidating. Programmes offered by organisations such as STEMGuyana and the Remote Area STEM Summer Residency are already showing that students exposed to STEM early are more likely to stick with it. Instead of watching Guyana’s transformation from the sidelines, young people can become active participants in driving it.
As demand grows for workers across the energy sector and related industries, Guyana’s education and training systems are stepping up. The National TVET Policy is modernising technical education, with thousands of graduates expected in areas such as electrical installation and welding. The University of Guyana has expanded its programme offerings, including Petroleum Engineering, while facilities like the Guyana Technical Training College in Port Mourant represent a major investment in skills development. Built through support from ExxonMobil Guyana and its partners, the college closely reflects real offshore working environments, helping students transition confidently from classroom learning to real-world application. Alongside private training providers, students are also gaining essential safety certifications and hands-on experience that prepare them for industry demands.
Technical skills, however, are only part of the picture. Employers are also looking for strong teamwork, clear communication, problem-solving ability and a solid work ethic. In high-pressure environments, the ability to think clearly, follow procedures and work safely with others matters just as much as technical knowledge. That is why training today focuses not only on passing exams, but on building the right mindset.
Perhaps most encouraging is that access is no longer the barrier it once was. Through programmes such as the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), many students now have access to free tertiary education. Companies, including SBM Offshore and GYSBI, are supporting STEM scholarships and technical training, while the Ministry of Public Service continues to fund studies at technical institutes across the country. More doors are open than ever before.
This moment should not be allowed to pass by. To parents, a child’s curiosity about how things work, whether it is a phone, an engine or a computer, could be the first step towards a future career. Encourage that interest. To students, do not be intimidated by the size of the industry. There is a place for you in it. Oil and gas resources belong to the nation, but the future belongs to those who prepare themselves to lead it.
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.
