22 graduate from TOTALTEC

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a4JurvsfCU?autoplay=1″ width=”560″ height=”315″]

-certified Guyanese poised to become first local Trainer

– Exon Mobil, Schlumberger, and Jaguar Oil Field express interest in employing gradutes

DPI, GUYANA, Monday, May 28, 2018

Courtney John was among the first batch of students to graduate from TOTALTEC International Marine and Petroleum Training Academy, at the Gafoor’s Complex, Houston, this afternoon.

John, certified to lecture in Oilfield Safety and Operator Training, said he was extremely excited to begin working with his first group of students. John explained he will undergo additional training which involves travelling to other countries to widen his knowledge and experience base in ‘off and onshore training’.

John described the course as “quite exciting”, despite some challenges. After being reassured by the trainers of his ability, and with focus and help from the other graduates, he was able to succeed.

23-year-old Garfield Southwell said the nine-week course was “very comprehensive” and will make him marketable when Guyana begins pumping first oil in 2020.

Sherwin Wilson, a 22-year-old, said he was able to upgrade skills which will better position him for the future. Wilson pointed out that as Guyana gears up for this budding sector young people must utilise every training opportunity being offered.

Chief Executive Officer of TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Lars Mangal, during the graduation ceremony, said that “As the oil age dawns for Guyana in 2020, there is little time to prepare hundreds of Guyanese that need to be trained, thus this programme will allow for them to position themselves in the sector.” Mangal also assured that the Academy will strive to empower and educate Guyanese with the necessary knowledge.

He explained that the trainees were all full-time employees of the TOTALTEC Oilfield Services, adding that his company plans to make Guyana “the land of many opportunities” through training various initiatives.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman commended TOTALTEC for the initiative and the students for their drive and enthusiasm in the courses and wished them the best.

The course consists of 56 separate theory and practical base modules in basic safety awareness, occupational health and hygiene, safety and environmental best practice, emergency response, oil and gas operations, lifting operations, transport and cargo handling, and general operations; lifting and rigging, working at height, confined space entry and counterbalance forklift truck operations.

TOTALTEC Representative Mike Henzell said the certificate is “more intricate that we have done before.” He noted that this first batch of students have set the bar very high for others to come.

Other companies such as Exon Mobil, Schlumberger, and Jaguar Oil Field have already expressed interest in employing the trainees. The second batch of students has already been selected and training will begin soon.

 

By: Zanneel Williams

Pictures the courtesy of Jules Gibson.