Eight Guyanese have been selected for the inaugural cohort of MODEC’s newly launched trainee program in Guyana, designed to offer global training, hands-on experience, and career development.
A commencement ceremony was held on February 13 at the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD).
Tiffany Hytmiah, Human Resources Coordinator at MODEC, stated that after recruitment began on August 7, the company received “over 1,000 applications from across Guyana.” Following a selection process, “eight trainees were chosen.”
The onshore training program equips recent graduates with skills in technical and non-technical fields namely, Contracts Administration, Electrical Instrumentation, Rotating Equipment, Planning, and Integrity Engineering. “What sets this program apart is the diversity of its participants,” Hytmiah said, highlighting trainees aged 19 to 42 from regions 3, 4, 6, and 10.
The training program is structured in four phases, with rotations in Brazil and Singapore. Livia Alves, Training Coordinator remarked, “By investing in our people, we are shaping the future of Guyana’s oil and gas industry.”
In addition to the trainee program, MODEC has launched an internship program offering university students hands-on experience in the Supply Chain, Human Resources and Legal and Compliance departments. Alves noted, “Each intern is paired with a mentor for guidance, support, and feedback.”
Rafael Fumis, MODEC Guyana’s Country Manager described the training program as a “pivotal initiative” aimed at developing local talent. “This program is not just about training—it’s about shaping the future leaders of our industry,” Fumis stated.
Fumis further emphasized MODEC’s commitment to local workforce development, highlighting that MODEC expects to invest over GY$250 million in local capacity building. “These initiatives are part of our broader efforts to train the Guyanese workforce and ensure continuous knowledge transfer,” he added.
Huzefa Ali, ExxonMobil Guyana’s Production Manager, underscored the importance of strong partnerships with companies like MODEC for ensuring safe and efficient operations. “This collaboration is essential in maintaining Guyana’s growing energy sector and driving long-term success,” Ali said.
Ali praised MODEC’s commitment to local workforce development, noting its efforts in training Guyanese, procuring local services, and strengthening the supply chain. “Since arriving in Guyana, MODEC has demonstrated its dedication to local content,” he said.
Ali also noted the broader impact of such programs: “It’s not just about training—it’s about providing opportunities, fostering growth, and building a stronger, more resilient workforce.”
Drawing on his experience as a former ExxonMobil intern, Ali encouraged trainees to embrace curiosity and maximize available opportunities. “This is the beginning of an exciting journey. Make the most of every opportunity, and I look forward to seeing you offshore as part of our industry’s future,” he remarked.
Testimonial
The trainees in MODEC’s program are eager to embrace new opportunities.
Coleen Lewis, a planning engineer trainee, shared how her passion for problem-solving led her to engineering. “Engineers are the wizards of society,” she said. “Whenever people have a problem, we create solutions that seem almost magical.”
She described joining MODEC as a milestone in her career, emphasizing, “Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a prestigious company.”
Miguel Winter, a mechanical engineering graduate, saw MODEC as the ideal platform for growth. “The energy sector in Guyana is rapidly expanding, and MODEC is at the forefront globally. This program isn’t just a job—it’s a launchpad where I can develop critical skills and gain invaluable experience.”
Both trainees are excited about their future, with Winter expressing ambitions of taking on strategic roles within the company. “MODEC has the people, resources, and expertise to help nurture these goals,” he said.
ExxonMobil hired MODEC to deliver the Errea Wittu floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Uaru project offshore Guyana through an engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) contract in 2023.
