Guyana Technical Training College to Launch Comprehensive 18-Month Oil & Gas Program in October
The Guyana Technical Training College Inc., situated in Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice, is poised to initiate a comprehensive 18-month training program in October of this year.
In a recent interview, the Director of the institution, Professor Clement Sankat, elaborated on the current educational landscape.
He noted that existing students often travel to Canada to undertake an extensive 12-month training program, followed by an additional 6 months at the FacTor Simulator, which is an integral part of the GTTCI’s infrastructure.
“How are we going to do that? The buildings are being erected for the oil and gas track one. And we are expecting our classroom building, our workshop and laboratory building, and our Admin building would be ready for October so that we start our classes,” Professor Sankat said.
Currently, 33 students who have completed their training in Canada have returned to Guyana and are now engaged in valuable hands-on training at the FacTor Simulator. Among these students, 22 are specifically enrolled in a specialized program focusing on mechanical instrumentation and production technicians.
“And SBM has also sent 11 cargo technicians to be trained. So, in all, we have 33 students, and in six months they will graduate and be ready to be placed on the ships,” he stated.
Professor Sankat emphasized the importance of practical experience, which is being actively integrated into the curriculum to equip students with essential skills for the workforce.
“In six months time, they will graduate and be ready to be placed on ships. And that is pleasing and what we’re doing here in Guyana in terms of technical training. Our students are ready for the world of work. It’s not about talking. They are ready; we are making them ready by the hands-on training that they get,” he disclosed.
Professor Sankat added: “The recruitment, up to now, is being done by Exxon and SBM. Because the Guyana Technical Training College is still yet being formed. So Exxon and SBM have been managing that up to now. GTTCI is gonna have a stronger hand in this recruitment. Not necessarily for this October intake but certainly the next intake.”
The US$13 million facility, part of the Guyana Technical Training College Inc., was launched last year through a partnership between the Government of Guyana and Stabroek Block coventurers: ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Phase Two will involve the creation of a campus accommodating 150 students and administrative offices with full amenities. Guyana is among 10 countries with such a facility.
In July of last year, 24 young adults graduated as certified operations and maintenance technicians, acquiring essential skills for offshore operations.
