Gov’t investing heavily in local training to build globally competitive oil and gas workforce
Guyana is ramping up efforts to train a world-class oil and gas workforce locally, with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali revealing that the government is investing about US$150,000 in each trainee at the newly commissioned Guyana Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in Port Mourant, Berbice.
Speaking on his Tea on the Terrace podcast, the President said the initiative is aimed at ensuring Guyanese are equipped with internationally recognised skills to compete in the rapidly expanding energy sector.
“This is about investing in our people and building a workforce that can compete globally,” he said, noting that each trainee represents a significant national investment.
The modern facility, commissioned on February 15, is designed to remove the need for overseas technical training by offering internationally accredited programmes using industry-standard equipment and advanced simulation systems. Government, he explained, is pouring billions into education and training so that locals are positioned to lead the sector’s growth rather than rely heavily on foreign expertise.
Trainees enrolled in the programme say the impact is already being felt. One student described the training as opening doors to opportunities previously out of reach, while others noted that access to world-class certification locally eliminates the financial and logistical barriers of travelling abroad for similar programmes.
The 18-month training programme, delivered through the Guyana Technical Training College Incorporated (GTTCI), focuses on both foundational and advanced skills aligned with operations on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Training Centre Manager Shaagul Hameeth explained that the institute replicates offshore environments, allowing students to gain practical experience with the same systems used in the industry so they can transition directly into the workforce.
LearnCorp International President and CEO Phil Doody said the move to deliver the programme locally marks a significant step for the region, pointing out that cohorts previously had to travel to Canada for similar training. He described the Port Mourant facility as one of the most advanced of its kind in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith said the investment addresses immediate workforce needs while laying the groundwork for long-term national development. He emphasised that the initiative is not only about filling current vacancies but about preparing a generation of skilled workers to support the country’s energy sector for decades.
The commissioning of the institute forms part of a broader push to strengthen human capital, with the government positioning Guyana as both a producer of energy and a regional hub for technical training.
