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N$58m oil, gas institute opens

N$58m oil, gas institute opens

WALVIS BAY – A Namibian and his Angolan partners have constructed a N$58 million training centre aimed at equipping locals with much-needed skills in the oil and gas sector.

Walvis Bay-based professional rigger Absalom Fillipus and his Angolan partners Alberto Fiquerida and Augusto Kimbamba’s training academy – Operatec Maritime and Industrial Training College – is a training institution based in Walvis Bay.

It specialises in providing skills development for the oil and gas industry, maritime sector, and industrial fields.
Figueiredo is the founder of the internationally-known company. 

He has been providing services to the oil and gas industry for the past 27 years. 

Thy set up two training facilities in Angola after realising the lack of skills in that country.

Currently, Namibia lacks such a facility, forcing aspiring riggers, offshore workers and seagoing personnel in the diamond industry to seek training in South Africa.

Fillipus, who began his career in rigging at the age of 19, has been a strong advocate for skills development. 

Over the years, he has trained Namibians in forklift operations and basic rigging techniques. 

His latest initiative is set to provide internationally-recognised training opportunities, reducing reliance on foreign expertise in Namibia’s growing industrial sector. 

The project, which includes the renovation of an existing building and the construction of a new facility, has been in progress since 2023. Equipment purchased in September last year is awaiting installation once the set-up is complete. 

The initiative has received backing from the Walvis Bay municipality, which approved land for the training centre in 2022.
Speaking about the training centre, Fillipus noted that it will offer comprehensive courses covering rigging theory, mathematics, technical drawings and generic science – key subjects for aspiring riggers.

“Companies like Debmarine Namibia, which currently sent over 384 employees to South Africa for mandatory safety training, will benefit greatly from this local facility,” he said.
He is also collaborating with the Namibia Training Authority to develop a national syllabus for rigging training, which could be introduced at a local institution within the next 18 months.

“We are in the process of securing OPITO accreditation, which will enable us to provide world-class training for the oil and gas industry,” he said while taking the media on a tour of their swimming pool – a crucial component of the training.

The centre will offer training for sea-going personnel, including STCW courses (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) once the construction of a dedicated swimming pool is completed.
He noted that rigging is a highly specialised and physically demanding trade, but it is not limited by gender.

 He encouraged women to take interest in the training.

Although it is a physically intensive career, women who undergo training can pursue careers as rigging inspectors or certified assessors.

Ploughing back

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes applauded OMITC, as the company last year, through its corporate social responsibility initiative, pledged in-kind support to the Walvis Bay Mayoral Relief Fund by training over 15 unemployed youth from the town.

The training is said to be worth N$150 000.

“This initiative equipped underprivileged youth with industrial training in advanced rigging, basic H2S awareness, basic rigging, confined space entry awareness as well as firewatch and gas testing. The training concluded on Friday,” he said.

Students who have already undergone training at the facility have expressed gratitude.

“My experience was fantastic. I learnt about safety in confined spaces, gas hazards and how to handle heavy loads safely. It was a privilege to receive this training. I am grateful to the sponsors and the mayor’s office for their support,” said trainee Rosy Khaxas.

Another trainee Chingy Numbala described the programme as invaluable, stating that it provided essential skills in identifying hazards, implementing safety measures and responding to emergencies effectively.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na