The University of Guyana is moving to expand technical education offers in port, marine, and aviation as employment opportunities grow alongside the country’s oil and gas sector. Outgoing Vice Chancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed confirmed the plan during an exclusive interview with OilNOW on March 31.
“We are definitely looking at expanding the technical offerings in porting, marine and aviation,” Mohamed said, explaining that the push is tied to rising demand for skilled workers as offshore activity expands.
The training effort is centered on existing and developing programs at the university, including aviation management and marine and port-related degrees. The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management prepares students for roles across airline operations, airport management, aviation safety, cargo logistics and regulatory agencies. The program includes courses such as aviation law, air transport economics, aviation logistics and supply chain management, and flight operation management.
The university also offers a Certificate in Aviation Management designed to support professionals already working in the sector and seeking to upgrade their skills.
Marine and port-related education is expanding through the Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies at the university’s Berbice campus. The institute was established to support education and research linked to maritime industries, port development, marine science, and river management in Guyana.
Planned and emerging programs include Bachelor of Science degrees in Marine Biology, Port Management, Port Security, Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, and Coastal, Riverine, and Ocean Management. These programs are intended to support the country’s growing maritime and offshore industries, including shipping, port logistics, and environmental management.
Mohamed said demand for graduates is already strong as companies expand hiring linked to the oil and gas sector. “Yes! We can’t produce people fast enough,” she said. “The best graduates are snapped up first, not only those from disciplines related to the oil and gas industry. Practically all areas receive calls for graduates.”
She added that the need for trained professionals extends beyond technical roles. “There is a growing need for people properly trained and certified in Human Resources management, computing, law, [health, safety and environment] HSE (big one).”
To help connect students and graduates with job opportunities, the university created a digital platform. Mohamed said, “We have created an app called ugrecruit, and it matches vacancies with our databases of students and alumni looking for jobs.”
The transition from university to industry can still present challenges for some graduates entering technical sectors. Mohamed noted that “graduates sometimes struggle with limited exposure to advanced equipment, adapting to demanding work environments, and meeting technical certification requirements, emotional intelligence, and self-management.”
She said the university is expanding practical training to address those gaps. “To bridge this gap, the University is expanding internships and hoping to establish simulation labs, giving students more hands-on practice before they enter the workforce.” She added that “we also offer workshops and clinics for our students, especially those entering the workforce for the first time.”
The move by the institution follows similar steps taken by businesses that have already cemented their presence in the oil and gas industry, offering port and marine services to offshore operations.
