MODEC Guyana has launched two workforce development initiatives to prepare Guyanese for careers supporting the country’s offshore oil industry. While both programs are designed to lead to long-term employment with the company, they target different applicants and follow different training pathways.
The Offshore Technical Trainee program is intended for recent graduates entering the workforce, while the On-the-Job Professional program is designed for experienced professionals looking to transition into offshore operations.
Interest in the trainee program has been particularly strong. MODEC said it has already received more than 2,000 applications for the second Offshore Technical Trainee program, which was launched alongside the professional program on July 20 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
Offshore Technical Trainee program
- Target applicants: the program is aimed at graduates from 2024 onward who are seeking careers in offshore production and maintenance.
- Qualification requirements: Maintenance applicants should hold a Level Two or equivalent technical certificate in mechanical, electrical or instrumentation disciplines. Production applicants may hold technical certificates in any field.
- Training location: Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI), Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
- Program duration: 18 months, including classroom instruction followed by one year of on-the-job shadowing with MODEC’s technical teams.
- Training includes: Technical instruction, workplace safety, field assessments, mentorship, soft skills development and practical workplace exposure.
- Employment outcome: Successful trainees become eligible for permanent employment after completing the program.
- Application deadline: July 24, after which shortlisted candidates will undergo assessments, interviews, medical examinations and background checks before the program begins.
MODEC plans to recruit 12 trainees for the paid program, which begins on October 5, 2026.
On-the-Job Professional program
- Target applicants: Experienced Guyanese technicians and planning engineers.
- Qualifications: Technicians must hold technical diplomas in mechanical, electrical or instrumentation disciplines and have at least three years of work experience. Planning engineers must hold an engineering degree in fields such as civil, industrial, mechanical or petroleum engineering, along with a minimum of three years’ experience.
- Oil and gas experience: Not required.
- Program duration: Two years.
- Training location: Overseas and Guyana. Planning engineers will spend about one year in Singapore before completing the remainder of the program in Guyana. Technicians will train in Singapore before spending their second year offshore alongside experienced personnel.
- Employment outcome: Practical international and offshore experience leading to long-term opportunities with MODEC.
- Application deadline: August 6.
- Program start: May 3, 2027.
MODEC plans to recruit six technicians and one planning engineer for the paid program.
The energy infrastructure company is one of the major floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) contractors supporting Guyana’s offshore buildout. MODEC will deliver the Errea Wittu FPSO for ExxonMobil’s Uaru development in the Stabroek Block, which is expected to start production in 2026 with a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.
MODEC Country Manager Rafael Fumis said the company wants more Guyanese working directly with the company as it builds the workforce needed to help shape the future of the offshore energy sector.
“This is about investing in a vision, a vision where Guyana’s talent is not only participating in the offshore oil and gas industry, but helping to lead it-a vision where knowledge, skills, and expertise required to operate world-class offshore facilities are increasingly found here,” Fumis stated.
Local Content Secretariat Director Michael Munroe welcomed the investment in building a stronger local workforce, saying the Secretariat is working to ensure Guyanese benefit more directly from the energy sector beyond procurement and service opportunities.
“I think it aligns with our strategic goals for the next five years because, of course, we see the value in investing in human capital… The demand is here, so I would encourage all to take hold of these opportunities,” Munroe explained.
