The exploitation of Senegalese offshore deposits should begin at the end of 2023. In this perspective, the State set up at the end of 2017 the INPG, the National Oil and Gas Institute, to train careers in this promising new sector.
From our correspondent in Dakar,
Calculations – indecipherable for novices – are displayed on the screen. About twenty students are taking a course by videoconference. That day, it’s about drilling. “ We are at the level of the completions of the well. So all the equipment you need to have well productivity explains Rose Marie Correa.
At 30, she is an electromechanical engineer by training. After 5 years of professional experience in the mining and construction sectors, she is in retraining. “ The oil field is a new field for Senegal. And I tell myself that we have our place in terms of expertise. It is important for me to work for my country », points out Rose Marie Correa.
She is part of the third promotion of engineers specializing in the oil and gas professions. The training lasts 18 months, including 6 in internship. Other short training courses are offered, in maintenance, transport of hydrocarbons or even in safety. “ Our vocation is to train all players in the oil and gas sector “, says Moustapha Kebe, educational and industrial director of the INPG. ” But before, it was usually necessary to travel internationally to train in this environment which is very specialized. I was trained in the United States, for example. »
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Adapt to business needs
Admission is ultra-selective, and training – very expensive – is subsidized by the state. It’s about adapting to the very specific needs of companies, explains Annie-Flore Gbenou Damas, training manager.
« Our main partners are therefore obviously the State structures, the private companies are the operators and all their subcontractors for each project. », Details Annie-Flore Gbenou Damas. ” There was actually a whole study when the INPG started up to find out the needs. We are in constant contact. We are going to have Senegalese on the platforms. It is very optimal as a way to start an oil adventure for a new producing country.. »
The institute also has a regional vocation. Raphaël Nzengui, in master’s degree in oil and gas engineering, is from Gabon. ” I arrived here in Senegal with the particularity that I have of coming from an oil-producing country “, he says. “ In the sub-region, we do not have a lot of structures like these that offer such certifying training, especially with trainers with enormous experience.. »
Like his comrades, he has no worries about finding a job in the sector after his training.