Guyana’s Technical Training College Inc. (GTTCI) is a purpose-built, multi-sector training institution being developed at Port Mourant, Berbice, to prepare Guyanese and regional trainees for high-demand jobs in oil and gas, hospitality/tourism and skilled trades linked to construction and industrial growth.
For years, advanced oil and gas technical training for Guyanese happened overseas. The GTTCI’s core promise is to move that training “home,” using world-class facilities and globally recognised certification so Guyanese can qualify for specialised roles without leaving the country, while also building a pipeline of skilled workers that supports local content goals and long-term economic diversification.
The oil and gas component of the school was officially declared open on February 14, 2026. Below is an outline of key fundamentals about the college:
Who is working together to make it work?
The college is a collaboration anchored by the Government of Guyana and major industry partners active in the Stabroek Block and offshore operations. Key contributors and participants include:
- Government of Guyana
- SBM Offshore
- Stabroek Block partners: ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess (recently acquired by Chevron), and CNOOC
- Training delivery partners: LearnCorp International (LCI) and Uniteam
- Industry participants sending trainees: SBM Offshore Guyana, MODEC, and Puffer Guyana
This model matters because it ties the training pipeline directly to the needs of operators, contractors, and service companies that will employ the graduates.
How does the college prepare students for deep-sea drilling?
A central feature of the oil-and-gas programme is the Facility Simulator, branded FacTor, which can accommodate 24 students per batch. It was established in 2024 with support from SBM Offshore, the Stabroek Block partners, and the Government of Guyana. It is designed to replicate an FPSO operating environment for trainees to learn offshore processes and routines in a controlled setting.
It has been described as a fully functional plant that mirrors offshore operations using water and air, allowing trainees to practice operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance. Notably, US$13 million was invested in FacTor, with over US$100 million projected as the overall investment for the wider facility build-out.
What certification is offered for oil and gas?
The flagship oil and gas course is an 18-month, intensive training programme leading to a globally accredited Advanced Diploma in Oil and Gas, with specialisation tracks in:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Instrumentation
- Production
The course culminates in an industry-recognised Advanced Diploma accredited by City & Guilds (United Kingdom). This signals portability and credibility of the qualification beyond Guyana’s borders.
Who does GTTCI serve?
At the outset, the programme is primarily for Guyanese, building national capacity and strengthening local participation in technical roles. Over time, the college is expected to also support trainees from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and other countries involved in deep-sea oil exploration and related disciplines.
When will the other components of the college be up and running?
The hospitality/tourism segment, along with the facilities for skilled trades are still in progress; they are scheduled to be finished in 2026.
How does the GTTCI support local content?
In practical terms, the GTTCI supports local content aims by increasing the supply of qualified Guyanese labour for technical roles that are often hard to fill locally. It also helps contractors and operators meet workforce targets with competent, safety-trained personnel while creating a structured pathway from local institutions into offshore and industrial careers, especially when early cohorts include trainees from major offshore contractors and service providers.