FOR many young Guyanese, the University of Guyana (UG) Job Fair has become much more than a date on the calendar. It is where ambition meets opportunity in Guyana’s steadily growing energy sector. This year’s fair, themed “Innovation. Opportunity. Impact,” takes place on April 17- 18 at the Turkeyen Campus, at the Berbice Campus, on April 24 and the Essequibo Technical Institute on May 4.
At a time when the energy sector continues to shape the transformation of Guyana’s economy, the Job Fair stands as a platform for meaningful engagement. Students are not simply collecting brochures. They are having direct conversations with employers about skills, expectations, and career paths. Companies across the oil and gas value chain attend to engage with people about the skills needed to support the industry and how they can tap into these opportunities.
This growing connection between academia and industry is one of the reasons UG stands out as a critical pipeline for workforce development. Students are leaving not only with academic qualifications, but with exposure, confidence, and practical insight that give them a head start in the working world. Increasingly, programmes are being designed to align with industry needs, strengthened by direct partnerships with leading companies in the energy sector.
One of the clearest examples of this collaboration is the level of investment being made in student training. ExxonMobil Guyana, for instance, has supported upgrades to UG’s Mechanical Engineering Lab with modern, industry-grade equipment.
Across the sector, this support extends to internships and scholarships that move students beyond training into real career pathways. ExxonMobil Guyana’s scholarship programmes, for instance, have already supported Guyanese students in progressing from study into employment within the sector. SBM Offshore Guyana offers internships in operations, engineering support, and data analysis, while CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) provides scholarships in petroleum engineering and geoscience, including opportunities for study abroad. MODEC delivers structured training for offshore production, with a focus on safety, hands-on exposure, and mentorship for FPSO operations. Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) also supports students through technical scholarships, often paired with internship opportunities.
Together, these experiences are critical in helping students understand workplace expectations, develop technical and soft skills, and, in many cases, transition seamlessly into full-time employment after graduation.
At the same time, UG has expanded its portfolio of industry-aligned programmes to keep pace with demand. Students can now pursue fields such as Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Management, and Supply Chain, Marine and Energy Studies. These programmes are grounded in STEM disciplines and designed to equip graduates with the analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills required by the energy sector.
Industry estimates show more than 6,200 Guyanese are employed in the oil and gas sector, accounting for about 70 percent of the workforce. These figures reflect the growing role of local participation in the industry’s development. Still, as opportunities expand, competition is also increasing. Employers are looking for candidates who are not only technically capable but adaptable, professional, and ready to contribute from day one. Events such as the UG Job Fair offer students a valuable chance to prepare, engage, and position themselves effectively in a competitive environment.
Beyond individual success, the broader impact is clear. A stronger local workforce reduces reliance on foreign labour, keeps more income within the country, and ensures that Guyanese are actively shaping the future of their own energy sector.
As April 17 to 18 approaches, the message is clear. This is more than a job fair. It is a gateway into a rapidly evolving industry. For those ready to engage, prepare, and take initiative, the opportunity is not just to find a job, but to be part of building Guyana’s future.
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.
