GTTCI launches 18-month Advanced Oil & Gas Diploma programme in Berbice

The Guyana Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI) has officially launched its 18-month accredited Advanced Diploma in Oil and Gas course at the new, soon-to-be-completed campus in Port Mourant, Berbice.

The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) on Wednesday signed a US$15.6 million contract with InterEnergy Group for Supervisory, Engineering and Project Management Consultancy Services.
The agreement is aimed at supporting the acceleration of the modernisation of Guyana’s energy infrastructure, enhancing grid reliability and advancing the country’s transition towards a smart grid.
The two-year contract follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024, which laid the groundwork for technical collaboration, project management, and capacity building.
Under the agreement, InterEnergy Holdings will provide project management and oversight for major infrastructure projects, ensuring technical compliance, timely execution and integration of smart technologies; deliver technical advisory services in operation and maintenance of generation assets, conducting audits, and recommending improvements for reliability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness; lead smart grid integration, including technical gap analysis, developing cost-effective expansion plans and designing the integration roadmap for full-scale smart grid deployment; and support capacity building and reporting, delivering regular progress reports, technical documentation, access to specialised experts and supporting GPL’s operational and strategic decision making.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deodat Indar, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, underscored the importance of capacity building within GPL. “It was a very rigorous negotiation process. The contract reflects the best interests of both the Government of Guyana and InterEnergy Holdings. I look forward to seeing the partnership between GPL and InterEnergy over the next two years result in tangible improvements within the electricity sector,” he said.
GPL Chairman Maurice Gajadhar described the partnership as a historic step forward in strengthening regional ties and advancing Guyana’s development. “Today marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the Dominican Republic and Guyana. This collaboration reflects the willingness of two friendly nations to work together for mutual progress. As Chairman of GPL, I am very excited about the expertise that InterEnergy will bring to our country. As Guyanese, we are proud to be among the fastest-growing economies in the world, and this partnership is proof that we are matching words with action.”
Rolando González Bunster, Chairman of the InterEnergy Group, emphasised the symbolic and strategic importance of the partnership. “We have built a partnership that goes beyond the value of the contract. It represents a meaningful connection and a symbol of our commitment to supporting a country like Guyana. Electricity is vital, and we assure you that our work will make you proud. We will guide the way, but it is you (GPL) who will drive the journey forward.
Mr Kesh Nandlall, Head of Executive Management at GPL, highlighted the transformational value of the initiative. “This collaboration represents a significant step toward transforming Guyana’s electricity landscape, improving service delivery, and ensuring that our grid is equipped to meet the growing demand and our 2030 goal of a smart grid,” Nandlall stated.

On October 6, 28 trainees were welcomed by Professor Emeritus Clement Sankat, Director of the GTTCI, as they began the first phase of the diploma course. The occasion marked a significant milestone in Guyana’s technical education sector, as it transitions all training activities from international locations to world-class facilities on home soil.
“Today is just a start, but a momentous day, as you students will be the first Guyanese to be fully trained by the GTTCI in Guyana – 18 months of intensive training in the classrooms, labs, workshops, and yes, the FacTor [Facility Simulator], all such leading-edge facilities which we have established or are just about to complete in nearby Port Mourant,” the professor said in a welcome message to the students.
FacTor, established in 2024 with support from the Government of Guyana, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess, CNOOC, and SBM Offshore Guyana, is a key part of SBM Offshore Guyana’s local content commitment.
The programme is being executed with trainers from LearnCorp International (LCI) and Uniteam. It offers advanced specialisation in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and production disciplines.
Sankat said they are getting the Port Mourant campus ready for full occupancy by the end of 2025. The students are now temporarily based in New Amsterdam, with plans in place to green and landscape the campus.
“SBM has been here from the beginning, and we thank you for your confidence in the training the GTTCI will be providing in this year of transition,” the professor said.
This inaugural cohort includes 20 trainees from SBM Offshore Guyana, six from MODEC, and two from Puffer Guyana. Puffer is an international service provider participating in the programme for the first time.
“I was pleased to see six students from MODEC and two from Puffer – another first for us,” Professor Sankat noted. “This is a tremendous first for the GTTCI, as we welcome a few students from the service side of the oil & gas industry, and we do hope in the years ahead more companies will partner with the GTTCI to train its students.”
The programme’s curriculum encompasses four phases of intensive classroom, laboratory, and workshop training, culminating in an industry-recognised Advanced Diploma accredited by City & Guilds of the United Kingdom.
“You will be receiving training here in Guyana that is world-class, one that only a few students in the world can have such access to. Hence, consider yourselves very, very fortunate, and thus make the best use of this training and experience,” Professor Sankat advised the students.
He extended gratitude to partners and stakeholders, acknowledging their vision and commitment. “To our partners in this visionary undertaking of building this new institution, the GTTCI, I congratulate and thank ExxonMobil for the leadership and dedication it has shown over the last four years for the work we have done to date to make the GTTCI and today’s historic training start, in particular, a reality.”
Professor Sankat also lauded the Government’s leadership, stating, “I must give thanks and praise to the Government of Guyana, led by His Excellency our President Dr M I Ali and our Vice President, Dr B Jagdeo, for their vision to have this GTTCI established in Guyana. Since they made that announcement to the Guyanese public just four years ago, so much has been achieved from just a vision.”
He shared an optimistic outlook for the future. “Soon you will be located in a brand new, world-class training facility that will be the pride of Guyana and in particular its county, Berbice. Upon successful completion, your trajectory for growth and development in Guyana is limitless. Set your personal goals and milestones and go for these, beginning today,” he encouraged.
With the opening of its Port Mourant campus imminent, GTTCI is poised to significantly enhance Guyana’s technical workforce and support the rapidly expanding oil and gas sector, ensuring that local talent is equipped for success in a global industry. (OILNOW)


Discover more from Guyana Times

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.