PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – A new training initiative targeting vocational teachers is being rolled out in Suriname, as industry and government partners move to strengthen the country’s future workforce amid offshore oil and gas development.
Led by TotalEnergies EP Suriname B.V. in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture alongside with the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment and Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., the program focuses on equipping teachers with practical safety knowledge that can be passed on to students in technical education streams.
It was launched on April 23.
The approach places early emphasis on workplace standards expected in the energy sector.
TotalEnergies trains Surinamese engineers for GranMorgu offshore operations
The training, delivered through the TotalEnergies Professional Academy with a multi-module program, will follow a “train-the-trainers” model and is expected to reach around 100 vocational teachers in 2026.
Officials say integrating safety principles at the education level is critical as Suriname prepares for increased offshore activity. Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment Patrick Brunings stated that building safety awareness early supports the development of a workforce aligned with industry standards.
“Building safety awareness from the education phase supports the development of a workforce aligned with the standards required in the energy sector and contributes to Suriname’s long-term capacity building,” he said.
Staatsolie Managing Director Annand Jagesar emphasized the importance of embedding safety culture from the start. “There is no success if it involves serious incidents,” he said, underscoring the role of health, safety and environment practices in the sector’s long-term growth.
TotalEnergies hosts first Technical Training in Suriname ahead of GranMorgu FPSO operations
This initiative is part of the company’s Local Content Program, specifically under its education initiatives pillar, reflecting ongoing cooperation between industry and government to align education, training and workforce development with the needs of Suriname’s emerging offshore energy sector.
