In a major boost for the domestic energy sector, fresh professional skills are flowing into the field: 40 newly certified professionals have successfully completed the second batch of NATIN training. With their specialized knowledge in offshore drilling technology, reservoir management and safety systems, they form the backbone of Suriname's ambitious growth plans in oil and gas.
The festive graduation ceremony took place Wednesday at NATIN's main building, where education authorities and industry luminaries including Staatsolie's Director Upstream Rekha Bissumbhar and acting Managing Director personally congratulated the students. Acting Education Minister Patrick Brunings and NATIN Director Iwan Ganga were also present to highlight the importance of local talent in a strategic sector.
NATIN training has been running since 2022 on an intensive partnership between educational institution and Staatsolie, supported by the Ministry of Education. This partnership provides a hands-on curriculum, with internships on drilling rigs and training in state-of-the-art installation techniques. The third batch already started in February, showing that the demand for technically skilled workers is only increasing.
For Suriname, this boost comes at the right time. With the planned scale-up of oil and gas extraction starting in 2028, the need for qualified experts is rapidly increasing. The new batch of alumni - along with future graduates - will contribute to local employment, technological innovation and the strengthening of national expertise, allowing foreign hiring to gradually decrease.
With diplomas in hand, the 40 graduates are now leaving for internships and jobs within Staatsolie, suppliers and government projects. NATIN wishes them well: their commitment and know-how will undeniably contribute to a sustainable and economically resilient Suriname.
