Govt to partner with ExxonMobil for Practical certification for skilled persons

— youths urged to do due diligence

DPI, Guyana, Saturday July 20, 2019

The Department of Energy (DE) has taken steps to ensure that skilled nationals have the same opportunities as everyone else to work in the oil and gas sector.

Acknowledging that skills training and certification are necessary, Director of the Department of Energy (DE), Dr. Mark Bynoe, related that discussions have begun with US Oil Giant, ExxonMobil in this regard. He said early school leavers who were otherwise skilled will not be left out.

“We are in discussion with them [Exxon] right now about being able to provide practical certification, where our masons, fabricators, electricians etc., who may know the job but are not inclined academically… will still have a chance.” Dr. Bynoe related.

He said the plan is for those persons to be allowed to do the job and be certified on a practical basis. “We have got to hold hands, knock on doors and be committed, and have got to be sincere in terms of what we do” the director stated.

In the meantime, as he advised the nation’s young people to practise “due diligence … rather than just register for a course and say this will allow me to be absorbed in a particular sector.”

According to the director, the department also offers an internship programme available to youths who have not yet graduated.  Explaining that it is only offered during the holiday period, Dr. Bynoe said it gives insight into what’s available in the oil and gas sector.

He also urged that persons ensure that institutions, where they are pursuing their studies, are accredited and recognised. “Guyana is about to be transformed, so, determine if you want a portion of that, how much of a stake you want to have or whether you will be in it at all,” he advised.

The department internship programme offers eligible youths the opportunity to acquire practical experience in the oil and gas sector working alongside its staff. The department is active in various functional areas related to its mandate, which can be categorised as; policy formulation and implementation, governance, legal contracts administration, and institutional development.

To be eligible, you must be between age 18 to 30 years, enrolled in a Technical or Vocational Educational Institution or a University pursuing Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Law, Economics or other related fields; or have graduated within the last 5 years, proficient in English language and have excellent academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.

The department also considers past professional experience in a technical field. www.DOE@Motp.gov.gy