Practicum Center Lelydorp, one of Suriname’s leading technical and vocational institutions, is set to receive facility and curriculum upgrades under the Suriname Capacity Program (SURICAP), a workforce development initiative tied to TotalEnergies EP Suriname’s Local Content strategy.
The program is aimed at strengthening education and technical and vocational training in Suriname, a July 3 release from TotalEnergies said. It is being implemented with Staatsolie, the Suriname government, educational institutions, more than 40 industry partners, and international organizations.
The workforce push comes as Suriname prepares for its first major offshore oil development, GranMorgu, in Block 58. TotalEnergies operates the project with APA Corporation and Staatsolie as partners.
TotalEnergies said the program is designed to help build national capacity and prepare future generations for employment opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy.
“Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make—not only in individuals, but in the future of Suriname,” said Javier Rielo, Senior Vice President Americas, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies. “Through SURICAP, we are working together with our partners to strengthen skills development, expand opportunities, and help prepare the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Practicum Center Lelydorp is one of the pilot institutions participating in SURICAP. The center serves more than 900 students through six schools offering lower and middle-level technical education.
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The upgrades will be led by a consortium headed by Fernandes Group, with participation from VSH United, Indutec, Elgawa, and TotalEnergies EP Suriname.
The initiative includes facility modernization, updated competency-based curricula, teacher training, and stronger collaboration with industry. Technical workshops will also be upgraded to support training in welding, pipework, computer numerical control machining, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and solar technology.
Rielo visited Practicum Center Lelydorp on June 30 to meet students, educators, and partners involved in the initiative. During the visit, he was briefed on the institution’s development plans as SURICAP moves forward.
