Uche Usim, Abuja
Quest to deepen local content in the oil and gas industry has gained traction with national oil firms have begun engaging the services of welders trained by Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) to execute their contracts.
According to the Spokesman of PTDF, Kalu Otisi, the welders were a product of the agency’s Post Training Attachment (PTA) programme, a practical on-the-job internship scheme that prepares beneficiaries for absorption into the oil and gas industry.
He added that the PTA programme was currently on-going in major oil refineries in Port-Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri.
“One of the trainees, Ibrahim Mohammed was employed by Dorman Long Engineering Limited, a leading oilfield equipment, marine structural engineering and fabrication company.
“The other is Gideon Uko, who on completion of the six months Post Training Attachment programme was engaged by Supertech Investment Limited, a contractor with the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) that specializes in Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services.
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“The management of the refineries commended PTDF for the high level of training given to the welders and are encouraged by the skills displayed by the beneficiaries under the PTA. Executive Director Operations, WRPC, Engr. Ariaga Azubuike Uzoma at the close-out ceremony of the second batch of the PTA scheme said that the welders have been of immense support and have added value to the operations of the refinery plant”, Otisi stated.
Meanwhile, more PTDF trained welders are being exposed to the practical on-the-job experience in the industry with the expectation of future engagement by the industry.
At the Port-Harcourt Refining and Petrochemical Company (PHRC), the 3rd batch of the PTA scheme has flagged off. Impressed by the diligence, professionalism and commitment to duty exhibited by the previous beneficiaries, the Management of the Refining Company requested for an increase in the number of PTDF trained welders for enrolment into the PTA Scheme.