Trinity, Lion Oilfield invest in Namibian youth training for booming oil and gas sector

Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino has commended local companies for not waiting on the government to start upskilling youth for the oil and gas industry.

She made the remarks in light of Trinity Offshore Construction company, a joint venture with Lion Oilfield Services, which sponsored the training of two Namibians at Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organisation in Cape Town, South Africa at a cost of N$200 000. 

“That is what we are encouraging as leaders who carry this dream of seeing the oil and gas industry fully developed in the country and making an impact on the lives of our people,” says Shino.

“But as you know, the government will not be able to reach out to all people. Therefore, we want Namibians to be open and start preparing themselves,” Shino says.

Trinity chief executive Karl Mulder says the initiative forms part of the company’s broader commitment to Namibia’s Local Content policy by expanding local capability in the oil, gas and marine construction sectors.

“We are here to break the chains of poverty among the youth by developing the youth into a highly skilled construction crew able to hold their own alongside South African construction crews, ready to respond when work calls. We are fully committed to transformation and embrace diversity, equity and inclusion of all,” Mulder says.

The trainees underwent rigging and basic offshore safety induction and emergency training, which covers essential survival skills including helicopter escape, sea survival, firefighting, and first aid for emergencies at sea.

These internationally recognised certifications are often mandatory for working on offshore platforms, providing practical, hands-on training for critical situations. 

Vernon Gaoab, who underwent the training, says the experience made him realise the responsibility the oil and gas industry has and the opportunities it offers.

“My life will never be the same. I have undergone not just theoretical or practical training, but also a mindshift in how I view my life,” he says.

“Surely this was the opportunity I needed to start making positive changes and set my life on an upward trajectory.”

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