Upstream Petroleum Unit head Kornelia Shilunga says success in the oil and gas industry will require Namibians to be competent and innovative.
Speaking at the Youth in Oil and Gas Summit at Walvis Bay on Thursday, Shilunga told the young people present to prepare for opportunities the oil sector will bring the country.
“Local content should never be confused with entitlement. It creates opportunities, but opportunities must be matched by competence, professionalism and internationally competitive standards,” she said.
Shilunga said there has been considerable confusion around a specific certificate – the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (Bosiet) certificate – with young people believing obtaining this qualifies them for employment in the offshore oil and gas sector.
“This is simply not true. Bosiet is an internationally recognised offshore safety training programme. It is important for every young Namibian to understand Bosiet is not an academic qualification, a professional qualification, or a guarantee of employment,” she said.
“It is a mandatory safety training requirement for individuals who have already secured positions requiring them to work offshore.”
Shilunga said young people should focus on obtaining academic qualifications, technical certificates and relevant industry experience.
“I want to leave you with a message of both encouragement and realism. The oil and gas industry presents enormous opportunities, but we are only at the beginning of the journey. There is understandable excitement across the country, but we must guard against unrealistic expectations,” she said.
Petroleum Training and Education Fund chief executive Nillian Mulemi at the event said the fund has supported 60 young Namibians to secure employment and internship opportunities with upstream operators and service companies.
“To the young people who have been given these opportunities, I encourage you to work hard, remain disciplined and represent Namibia with excellence. Your performance today will open doors for others tomorrow,” she said in a speech delivered by acting chief executive Leorine Waggie.
Mulemi listed TechnipFMC, SBM Offshore and Yinson Production as three of the service companies that have offered young Namibians internships or employment.
