– with 24 more already in training

TWENTY-two Guyanese are now equipped to land jobs in the local oil-and-gas industry following their successful completion of the Oilfield Safety and Operator Training and Development Programme.

The graduation ceremony was held on Monday at the International Petroleum and Maritime Academy (IPMA) in Houston, on the East Bank Demerara while the programme was facilitated by Totaltec Oilfield Services Inc. The company is contracted by ExxonMobil to provide shore base services.

The graduation marks the first batch of recruits to have completed the nine-week programme, which saw a 100 per cent pass rate, and students being rigorously trained to meet internationally-recognised standards.

In his opening remarks, Totaltec Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lars Mangal said that Guyana will soon be armed to meet the demands of the energy industry with a world-class workforce much like the one his company hopes to create.
Speaking to the length and success of the programme, Mangal said: “I think it’s a milestone; I’ve never experienced this in my 28 years around the world, working in the oil-and-gas industry where something like this has been done.

“We wanted to make sure that we could build on not only the pioneering spirit that we see in the young men here, but also a best-in-class attitude and behaviour, and a professionalism that will be recognised by all the international companies coming into Guyana.”

He revealed that requests have already been made, which will see several of the graduates being placed in jobs with overseas-based companies such as Halliburton, Schlumberger and local company, Jaguar Oilfield Services.
Mangal thanked Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman for showing a keen interest in the programme, and expressed appreciation to the community and other individuals for their support towards making the ceremony a success.
One of the graduates, Antwone Branch, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, described how the training experience impacted their lives.

‘WE ARE FAMILY’

“Nine weeks ago,” he began, “me and my colleagues entered Totaltec as strangers. Today, I stand before you to proudly say that we aren’t strangers; we aren’t friends or workmates; we are family.
“This is truly a testimony to the fact that the development and utilisation of local content is a priority.
“I am very proud to say that as a member of the first batch of graduates, that I, along with my colleagues, are now part of these developments which can only be considered a great achievement for Guyana.”
Moved by these words, Minister Trotman, who serves as patron of the newly- established training academy, congratulated the young men and encouraged the next batch to do even better than their predecessors.
“You are pioneers,” the minister said. “The class that is coming behind you will learn from your standards. And so, what standards you leave will be the ones that they will inculcate.”
The minister presented the best graduating students from the class with gifts, and those individuals are: Mark Bihkhari, Dexter Vangronigen and Courtney John, who placed first to third respectively.
Among the graduates were six men formerly employed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) who spoke of their switch to oil and gas, and encouraged others to do likewise.
One of those six former GuySuCo men so happens to be the best graduating student, 26-year-old Mark Bihkhari.
Said he: “It was something new to me, because I was a part of the sugar industry. So joining the oil-and-gas industry was a big opportunity for me; also a new endeavour and a new journey.
“I’m very, very happy I came out on top.”

A WELCOME EXPERIENCE
Another is Leovert Paul, who said: “This experience has been a great one for me after being a part of GuySuCo.
“And now coming into the oil sector is something really difficult to adapt to, but at the end of the day, we adapted very well and it was great.
“I would recommend it to any other GuySuCo worker.”
So, too, is Duvendr Lala, and he said: “We adapted very quickly because of the lecturers; they brought us to their level and also adapted to our level, and it was really nice.”
The 22 men are now full-time employees of Totaltec, and the first in a long line to come as a second batch of recruits, numbering 24, was also present at the ceremony to witness a preview of what to expect.
The next progamme has been set for June 11, and Totaltec would like to encourage women and hinterland residents to apply, as there are works being done to double their current intake of trainees, providing the facilities are made available.