Guyana’s oil and gas sector is growing at a rapid pace, but the local workforce is struggling to keep up with its demands.
With major offshore projects accelerating, the need for skilled workers— especially in technical and engineering roles—has never been greater. However, an acute shortage of Guyanese with the necessary qualifications leaves employers scrambling to fill critical positions. Ewan Shanks, Vice President of Client Services and Recruitment at Excel Guyana, asserted that the workforce cannot meet industry demands. With more than 20 years of experience in recruiting for the oil sector, he understands the challenges well.
Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer, the Director of Guyana Oil and Gas Support Services Inc. (GOGSSI), highlighted the shortage of skilled engineers, technicians, and other professionals.
“The industry needs people faster than we can train them,” Boyer said.
Since the industry in Guyana is less than a decade old, Boyer believes local workers need more time to gain the skills and experience to fill many positions. His company, a frontrunner providing specialized fabrication services for offshore operations, has implemented training programs and internships to develop local talent. He explained that these programs are necessary because the company re-trains recruits who lack direct experience in the sector to fit their roles.
Lilowtie Chintamani, Human Resource Manager at Guyana Shorebase Inc. (GYSBI), echoed similar challenges regarding filling skilled positions. “Skilled positions, especially Crane and Forklift Operators, are the toughest to fill,” she explained.
“Generally, there are many experienced candidates, however, they are not licensed/certified. We are willing to assess and provide further training, but we always ensure certification first, as this helps individuals understand the importance of safety in a work environment, especially at GYSBI.”
GYSBI also offers internships to its scholarship beneficiaries to propel their personal and professional development.
The Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), in its August 2023 labor assessment, painted a clear picture of the challenges ahead. The study found that by 2028, the oil and gas sector will need 5,828 additional workers. According to the assessment, the demand for science and engineering professionals, construction workers, trade workers, and mobile plant operators will rise sharply. The study found that the stream of graduates from local institutions cannot meet the growing demand, creating a shortage of experienced engineering professionals and specialist technicians. Based on these findings, the study called for crucial investments in training and education.
According to the CLBD, a shortage of nautical skills crucial for offshore operations is one of the most challenging skills gaps. Despite efforts by government ministries, few local institutions provide this type of training. The Centre wants the University of Guyana to expand its capacity to accommodate more students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. The CLBD also recommends offering Guyanese students more scholarships to attend private universities and introducing pre-university bridging programs in science and math so more students can qualify for technical degree programs.
Shanks, who has worked with several international recruitment firms, noted the importance of specific candidate competencies when evaluating for technical roles.
“The main things we look for are technical skills, aptitude, and attitude,” he said.
Many companies depend on hires from foreign recruitment firms due to a shortage of local candidates, a practice that Shanks believes should be regulated by the Ministry of Labour.
Chintamani offered some advice for local job seekers. “It is recommended that prospective candidates thoroughly research the companies and review the job description to ensure they are working towards their preferred career paths. The oil and gas industry is fast-paced, dynamic, and offers long-term benefits to individuals who are committed, have a strong work ethic, and are willing to step out of their comfort zone.”
Shanks advises job seekers to focus on technical certifications and skills relevant to the sector, which are critical to getting hired.
Boyer encouraged them to learn about the industry proactively by attending oil industry events and networking with oil and gas professionals. By connecting with people familiar with the sector, job seekers can gain valuable insights to help them take advantage of emerging opportunities. Local workers’ adaptability has been a key asset for Boyer’s company. “Our only challenge is that we need more of them,” he said.
The CLBD report also stressed the importance of preparing the next generation of leaders for the sector. Apart from equipping Guyanese to fill technical roles, the study emphasized the need to develop management and leadership skills among local workers to ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability. The report recommended introducing transversal skills, such as teamwork, time management, and workplace ethics, into classroom settings from an early age.
Overall, the stakeholders affirmed that the sustained success of the oil and gas sector hinges on immediate workforce training and long-term strategies to cultivate homegrown talent capable of maintaining its rapid development.
