Over 150 individuals with a minimum qualification of an advanced certificate are to benefit from free online training in courses ranging from basic mathematics to health and environmental safety.
The training by TotalEnergies EP Uganda is a four-year programme that was launched in January, though the actual training starts next month. The company says the programme dubbed the Tilenga Massive Open Online Courses is part of its commitment to national content development.
According to TotalEnergies, the training will be conducted in partnership with Uganda Polytechnic Kichwamba and the trainees are also expected to be taken for hands-on experience in France. Afterward, they are expected to work as production operators, maintenance, and inspection technicians for the Tilenga project.
Other course contents to be offered include basic mathematics and science related to the oil industry.
TotalEnergies’ general manager Philippe Groueix said at the launch of the programme, they are trying to prepare Ugandans technically and improve their suitability to participate in the project.
“TotalEnergies considers national content as a key success factor in its worldwide operations and Uganda is no exception. As a truly Ugandan company, our national content strategy is aimed at maximising the use of Ugandan expertise, goods, and services,” Groueix said.
The national content strategy was developed in line with the national content regulations of Uganda.
He said through the Tilenga Project, the company will enhance the competencies and capacities of Ugandan companies, citizens, and registered entities in oil and gas activities.
This way, he said, there will be local investment and participation; without compromising TotalEnergies’ quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.
“The Tilenga Massive Open Online Courses is one of such initiatives that will enhance the skills and knowledge of young talented Ugandans interested in participating in the oil and gas sector,” Groueix said.
It is expected that TotalEnergies workforce will be over 70% Ugandans.
Groueix said the training programme participants will receive a certificate of completion.
In addition, they will be from a pool of trained Ugandan experts with the potential to be selected for opportunities in the Tilenga project or other TotalEnergies projects in Uganda.
Besides career and skills benefits, participants will also receive intensive training on health, safety, and the environment.
“Due to the highly risky and technical nature of the industry, health, safety, and environment are priorities for TotalEnergies and key aspects of the Tilenga project,” Groueix said.
“The safety of our employees, contractors, and communities is of paramount importance to the company,” he added.
The executive director of Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), Ernest Rubondo, commended TotalEnergies for starting the Tilenga Massive Open Online Courses programme.
He said it fits within the overall national content strategy, which is designed to promote the participation of Ugandans and Ugandan companies in the oil and gas sector.
“PAU will always support programmes and campaigns that are designed to empower Ugandans to partake in opportunities within the oil and gas sector,” Rubondo said.
“I urge all Ugandans who meet the criteria for this programme and are interested in being part of the transformation of Uganda’s oil and gas industry to embrace it,” he said.
Source: New Vision