– At GTTCI

-by Kyler Rollins

The Guyana Technical Training College is preparing to welcome another batch of 30 trainees on October Five, as it continues to equip Guyanese with the skills to work aboard Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessels.

Director of the College, Professor Clement Sankat, described the initiative as significant, noting that it represents the second cohort of trainees to receive comprehensive training entirely in Guyana.

In the past, trainees were required to spend 12 months in Canada before returning to Guyana to complete their experiential training at the Facility Stimulator (FACTOR) in Port Mourant, Corentyne.

But with the GTTCI campus now equipped with the necessary facilities and equipment, trainees can complete the entire program in Guyana.

“We will be training students for working in the oil and gas industry in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and production. And when they are finished they will be placed on the FPSOs working offshore,” Professor Sankat explained.

After successfully completing the program, trainees will graduate with an Advanced Diploma in Oil and Gas, specialising in either Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, or Production disciplines. 

This follows ongoing discussions with the UK–based accrediting body, City & Guilds.

Professor Sankat says several Guyanese instructors are also expected to be trained as trainers, strengthening local capacity within the institution.

Meanwhile, construction is progressing on a new dormitory facility on campus, which will be able to accommodate up to 100 students.

“Because this thing is for students all over Guyana. So, we’re building a residence for a hundred students to live on campus and we’re building a dining hall and kitchenand we expect that will all be finished by the first quarter of next year,” he explained.