Staff Reporter
THE Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SBM Offshore to establish a graduate trainee programme aimed at developing a pipeline of qualified professionals for the oil and gas industry.
Nillian Mulemi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PETROFUND, highlighted that the programme will provide young graduates with hands-on experience in industry-specific tasks, responsibilities, and advanced technologies, thus preparing them for permanent roles within SBM Offshore and across the wider sector. SBM Offshore is a prominent global provider of offshore energy solutions, specialising in advanced floating production systems and services for the oil and gas industry.
“I must highlight that the goal of this graduate trainee programme, through this memorandum of understanding, is to develop a pipeline of qualified professionals who can transition into entry-level positions and eventually, full-time employment. This initiative is particularly critical for PETROFUND, as it ensures that our beneficiaries and the youth at large not only acquire essential skills but also secure sustainable careers in the oil and gas industry for which they have been trained,” Mulemi said.
She emphasised that SBM Offshore’s contribution will strengthen Namibia’s petroleum sector and promote long-term economic growth. According to her, the partnership reinforces PETROFUND’s commitment to strengthening local content development, which aligns with the government’s local content policy.
“This policy seeks to build Namibian capacity and ensure that our citizens directly benefit from the growth of the oil and gas industry. Local content development is a cornerstone of our strategy, particularly in the wake of significant hydrocarbon discoveries since 2022. By fostering strong talent pipelines, we are positioning Namibia as a competitive and self-sufficient player in the global energy landscape,” Mulemi added.
