BHP Billiton contributes to skills expansion in energy sector

Four young persons from Mayaro and Guayaguayare have been awarded full scholarships from BHP Billiton. They are Katina Williams, Krystal Murray, Daniel Galera and Diamonds Pereira, who will begin their studies toward attaining Diplomas in Technology from the Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Technology, starting this month. Applicants were initially screened by representatives from the Ministries of Education, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs. Shortlisted candidates were then required to attend two interviews, including one with senior company personnel. Ultimately, the chosen four distinguished themselves from dozens of applicants.

The scholarship recipients were given the choice of five engineering disciplines — petroleum, chemical, instrumentation, electrical and mechanical. The programme will run for three and a half years during which time the students will attend classes at the San Fernando Technical Institute, and the Institute of Technology at Brechin Castle. Additionally, they will complete their job-based training at BHP Billiton’s terminal and offshore facilities. “It’s a tangible demonstration of the company living its vision and doing what it said that it would do,” said Carl Grenz, Operations director. “We’re committed to investing in sustainable educational opportunities for the communities in which we operate and this is what has resulted. We wish the students every success,” he added.

In addition to the company’s scholarship programme over 700 employees working on the construction of the company’s onshore terminal facility and other area residents have been trained in a variety of areas, including welding, scaffolding, technical drawing interpretation, and first-aid and safety. “We’ll continue to listen to our stakeholders and pay close attention to how we do our social investment. Our focus on the three Es — education, entrepreneurship, and the environment — is solidly born out of our vision for our Trinidad and Tobago operations, and active listening to the communities in which we operate,” noted Nigel Smith, president of BHP Billiton, Trinidad and Tobago.