The technical capacity of Guyanese to fill the demand for skilled workers in the oil and gas sector—moreso offshore—has been a concern raised in the conversation on local content. Sameer Ally, a young Guyanese, is a shining example of the capability of locals to quickly learn and adapt to any industry after he was able to exceed expectations and catapult into working offshore.
Ally was trained at the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Training Centre where he graduated with distinctions in both Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering. He subsequently benefitted from the first Trainee Technician Programme which saw him undergoing training abroad through ExxonMobil and then locally through SBM Offshore.
While undergoing training with SBM Offshore, the position of Instrumentation Technician opened in the company and Ally – who is also the holder of a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering – submitted an application. The company offered him the position, fast-tracking his employment.
“I’m responsible for ensuring the allotted instrumentation work is carried out in a safe and efficient manner. It includes inspecting, testing, repairing, and adjusting instruments that detect, measure and record changes on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit,” he told OilNOW.
“The company recognised my previous experience and knowledge and granted me an opportunity for which I am grateful. I am excited to be considered for the opportunity and can see myself in this job long-term. It really shows the company’s commitment to local content,” he said. According to Ally, the onboarding process was commendable with team members always being open to knowledge sharing.
He has a patriotic view of his position and says that it is a way for him to serve his country.
“It is a great sense of pride; words cannot express or quantify how happy I am. I love my country a lot,” he said. “My grandparents often reminded me of a quote by former U.S President John F. Kennedy, who implored Americans to ask not what their country can do for them, but what they can do for their country.”
He said by doing his job “safely and efficiently” he believes that it helps in achieving both the goals of SBM Offshore and Guyana.
