To bolster the oil and gas training landscape in Guyana, a cutting-edge US$13 million floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility simulator, named FacTor (Facility Simulator), was commissioned today at the Guyana Technical Training College located in Port Mourant, Berbice.
This state-of-the-art training facility marks the first completed phase of the broader Guyana Technical Training College Inc., a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana and the consortium of stakeholders from the Stabroek Block, namely ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Corporation, and CNOOC.
The FacTor training site encompasses a comprehensive array of amenities including classrooms, workshops, and the advanced FacTor module. Financed by the Stabroek Block consortium to the tune of approximately US$13 million (GY$2.6 billion), the project was meticulously planned and developed by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited in close coordination with dutch floating production storage and offloading vessel builder, SBM Offshore, which spearheaded the design and construction of the FacTor unit.
Functioning as a hub for practical training across various programs, the facility equips trainees with hands-on experience in executing operational tasks, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities, all within an environment that faithfully replicates real-world plant conditions. Safety is paramount within the training environment, as the facility is engineered to utilize mediums such as water and air, thereby eliminating the use of potentially hazardous gases or liquids. Comprising an array of major equipment pieces, the plant simulates process conditions akin to those found on an FPSO vessel, ensuring a safe and controlled training experience.
Importantly, FacTor boasts the capacity to accommodate up to 24 trainees per batch, overseen by four trainers across four specialized disciplines: Mechanical, Instrumentation, Electrical, and Production. Adhering to recognized industrial standards prevalent in the oil, gas, and energy sectors worldwide, the facility sets a high benchmark for technical training excellence.
Anticipated to yield a positive ripple effect within the local Oil & Gas sector, FacTor aims to furnish trained technicians with the requisite competencies and skills essential for executing roles offshore. It was announced that the recruitment process for trainees remains inclusive, open to all Guyanese applicants meeting the stipulated entry criteria. Currently, trainees come from various regions across the country.
Entrance into the SBM Offshore Trainee Technician Program mandates a minimum qualification of a 2-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) certificate, ensuring a standard of proficiency conducive to the demands of the industry.
