A $20-million training centre built by the local ODITC joint venture, formed between Guyana’s Orinduik Development Incorporated, Windsor Technologies and 3t EnerMech, features blended learning software and technology for high hazard activity training, skills hall, a welding, and fabrication shop, rigging and lifting areas and a 14-ft deep sea survival pool.

The 3t EnerMech Guyana Training Centre of Excellence was inaugurated late last month, and is the first facility in Guyana to be accredited to deliver OPITO training for rigger, banksman and slinger skills. More training courses will soon be added to its portfolio.

The teaching hub was established to empower and provide Guyanese locals with key skills and training certifications that are required to work in the offshore environment without having to travel to the US, Brazil, or Trinidad.

The centre supports the Guyana Government’s drive for 80 per cent of the country’s oil and gas industry workforce to be local personnel.

Since opening, 10 Guyanese nationals have been hired and there are plans for more opportunities as demand for courses increases.

Of the current Guyanese training staff, three are graduating students who recently completed the ECITB Goal programme and have now been employed as trainee instructors.

Paul Attrill, Vice-President of Sales at 3T EnerMech, says: "There is a wealth of talented and ambitious people from Guyana and we are pleased to be able to help them to reach their career goals. By enabling them to achieve the required industry certifications at the centre of excellence, it removes the costs or inconvenience of travelling … which may have put some off pursuing a career in this area previously.

During the event, graduates of the centre’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme received their qualification certificates, with 40 per cent securing full-time employment in the oil and gas sector within two to three weeks following the training.