US super-major ExxonMobil and manpower provider, El Dorado Offshore (EDO), have embarked on a programme to provide paid training to Guyanese students, in oil and gas.
In August, four students selected from the Government Technical Institute (GTI) boarded a plane bound for Falck Nutec Safety Services in Trinidad to start the prestigious 6-month, trainee programme. There, the 19-23 year old students will complete a 3-day offshore safety induction and emergency training.
“It’s exciting to see these young people, filled with pride and eager to learn. The first step of any training program in this business is about safety, and it starts here, today,” said ExxonMobil Guyana Operations Superintendent Jim Hagg.
The students will be exposed to real life scenarios that allow them to experience hands-on training in safety and emergency.
“Our intention is to give them hands on training because people learn by doing, not just sitting in a classroom. We expose them to real offshore responsibilities, work and challenges. We want to grow world class professionals,” Hagg stated.
Each trainee will be working along with and mentored by the ExxonMobil Offshore Logistics Coordinator on the Stena Carron, at the shore base and in the Ramps/EDO Office for 2-week rotations at each location over a 6-month period. After completion of the 6-month programme, two will be placed to work on a normal rotation on the Stena Carron offshore Guyana and the other two will be placed on a future exploration project.
EDO Country Manager Kerri Gravesande said, “We at EDO believe that fostering an environment of growth and development is key to building an efficient and dynamic workforce. This Programme provides the students with the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in actual work situations while allowing them to investigate career opportunities for themselves and learn about their interests and abilities.”
Robert Perry, a trainee currently working on the Stena Carron said, “This is a monumental time in our history and I’m privileged to be given the opportunity to work on the Stena Carron. It is a new and exciting experience for me, being on a drill ship and being around such a diverse group of nationalities.”
Perry said working as a team and putting safety first are priorities and this is the principle by which he and his coworkers operate. “Safety is important and we’re constantly reminded to look out for each other. It’s been an honor so far and I would like to thank El Dorado Offshore and Ramps Logistics for giving me this opportunity. It is beneficial to me and my growth in this developing industry as well as an inspiration to my fellow peers,” he pointed out.
In addition to Perry, the other trainees are; Randy Gittens, Derick Mingo and Gerald Moonsammy.
EDO currently employs a total of 37 Guyanese on the Edison Chouest vessels, the Stena Carron and the WesternGeco Seismic Projects.
