Jobs for trainees: PTDF partners refineries

By Musa Adamu

Seventy five beneficiaries of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Welders Training and Certification Programme (WTCP) have commenced a six month post training attachment at the Kaduna and Warri refineries.
This arrangement is under a partnership scheme with the four major refining and petrochemical companies to facilitate on-the-job experience for PTDF trained welders.
Accirding to a statement issued by Head of Press and external communications of the PTDF, Kalu Otisi, attachment will expose the skills and competencies of the participants to the industry, provide opportunity for them to practice their vocations and absorption by the industry.
It said: “This is because welding and fabrication constitute 80% of the activities in the Oil and Gas industry and the federal government local content drive aims at complete domiciliation of welding and fabrication activities in the industry.”
Speaking at the handover of the batch of 50 PTDF trained welders attached to the Warri refinery under the Scheme, the Executive Secretary, PTDF, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau, said the Post training attachment programme would develop the proficiency of the trainees in industrial welding and open up opportunities for their engagement in the industry.
Represented by the Head, Gas Division, Nigerian Content and Industry Collaboration Department, PTDF, Mr Peter Egheneji, he said a lot of opportunities exist in the mid and downstream segments of the oil and gas sector in on-going and future projects in the industry.
That statement added that the beneficiaries were received at the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Executive Director, Personnel and Career development, Mrs Musa Ariyo at the refinery complex, who briefed them on the rules, regulations guiding their stay in the company.
It said the first batch of 25 PTDF trained welders were attached to the Kaduna Refinery under the post training attachment scheme.
It the placement of PTDF trained welders to Refineries on attachment was in furtherance to the implementation of a new strategic direction unfolded by the Executive Secretary and that part of which aims at increased interface with the oil and gas industry.
The Fund had in the past maintained minimal interface with international, national and local oil companies leading to absence of effective and sustained co-operation, collaboration and partnership with the industry in its capacity building programmes.