GE delivers school equipment

During a recent visit to the MAPESS (Angolan Ministry of Administration, Labour and Social Affairs) Vocational Training School, GE Oil & Gas announced its commitment of US$ 60 000 to support the skills training and equipment supply for local students. The initial donation supported delivery of new equipment and materials, including computers for the more than 400 students enrolled.

The announcement was made at an event at the Vocational Training School, which was attended by local officials and leaders including Alvin Nichols (GE supply chain leader - sub-Saharan Africa) and Nitika Rosa (GE human resources leader - GE Angola). Leaders were able to tour the school and meet with students.

Opportunities to support educational development in Angola are great - including the building of schools, development of teacher training and access to new equipment and computers. Vocational education and trade certifications are especially needed in order to continue to support the local growth and hiring by companies like GE. To further develop and train local talent, GE is helping the next generation of engineering and service experts.

‘’GE continues to grow and invest in Angola. In addition to Angola’s industrial growth, we are committed to helping support the development of a talented local workforce pipeline,” said Marco Caccavale, general manager Africa, GE Oil & Gas. “Through partnership with organisations like Africare and MAPESS Vocational Training Center, we are investing in skills building for the next generation of Soyo workers and will be best positioned to support the growth and opportunities presented by the Angolan oil and gas sector.”

In 2011, the MAPESS Vocational Training Center was established in Soyo by the Angolan government with support from RKK (a Norwegian vocational education foundation) and the Norwegian government to develop skilled people for the oil and gas sector.

Subsequently, GE Oil & Gas recently signed an agreement with Africare to collaborate to support learning improvements at the Soyo Vocational Training Center. The centre is located close to where GE’s recently announced investment of US$ 175 million in a new subsea manufacturing facility is being built. This first commitment provided much-needed school equipment, including 11 computers, three printers and materials for practical training in electricity and welding courses for 2014. This year, approximately 400 students will be enrolled in courses and have access to training with new materials and equipment as a result.

Africare is a leading non-governmental organization committed to addressing African development and policy issues by working in partnership with African people to build sustainable, healthy and productive communities. This project is part of the organisation’s multimillion dollar portfolio that leverages unique public-private partnerships to innovatively address development challenges in Africa.

“We are proud to partner with GE in Angola, and we are grateful for GE’s commitment to supporting African industry and nurturing Angolan talent who comprise tomorrow’s work force,” said Dr. Darius Mans, president, Africare. “Africare believes that every student deserves a safe environment where they can access education and improve their future employment opportunities, which is exactly what the MAPESS Vocational Training Center aims to accomplish.”

GE has been active in Angola since the late 1950s, supporting the development of the national oil industry. In 2012, GE Oil & Gas signed an agreement with Angola LNG, operator of one of the world’s most modern LNG and processing facilities, for processing liquefied natural gas. It also is a major supplier of gas turbines and compressors for the Angolan offshore energy sector. GE works with local universities across Angola to support talent development—including partnerships with Agostinho Neto University (Universidade Agostinho Neto) and Universidade Católica de Angola (UCAN) as well as working with the National Institute of Petroleum (INP) on the development and training of Angola technicians.

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/24072014/ge-delivers-school-equipment/