Total E&P has unveiled the first batch of welding students to be trained as part of the welders training programme at Buhimba Technical Institute in Hoima.
The welders, 25 in number, form the first batch of the 200 students to be targeted for the initiative. They will undergo training in 2G and 4G coded welding levels in line with the industry standards and requirements.
According to Jean Yves Petit, the Total E&P Uganda Integrated Project Representative, the programme is very important as it signifies their commitment not only to develop Uganda’s oil sector but also empower Ugandans to take an active and crucial part in the overall development of the oil project.
“It is a strong commitment on our part specifically towards our host communities as all of the welders being trained, originate from areas around the pipeline districts and the Albertine region,” said Petit.
The training will enhance the students’ knowledge and skills in order to meet the anticipated demands of the project as well as also ensure adherence to the highest standards of quality, health, safety and environment.
The students, at the conclusion of the training, will be internationally certified welders of the American Welding Society Standard if they pass certification tests.
“This will increase their employability not only within the oil and gas sector in Uganda but also in other sectors and other countries,” said Petit.
Total E&P is preparing for a Final Investment Decision on the Tilenga and EACOP projects which will kick-start the construction phase of the projects.
“When this decision is taken, we can all expect that activities will rapidly increase shortly thereafter as we start construction of all project facilities such as the Central Processing Facility and the pipelines,” said Petit.
The training, which will take 4 months for each batch, is expected to equip 200 students with the highest level of oil and gas welding skills. The programme is fully funded by Total E&P Uganda under the recoverable costs arrangement.
BY PAUL TENTENA
