TotalEnergies has launched a massive open online course - otherwise known as a MOOC - for Ugandans interested in working on its Tilenga project.
The French company is preparing to launch operations at its oilfield in western Uganda. It has made a number of commitments to local content, and the MOOC aims to prepare workers to participate.
The MOOC was launched today, January 10, and will run until March 22. The course is open to Ugandans aged 18 to 28. They can register for the Tilenga MOOC until January 31.
A Total statement said the job would enable people to learn more about the oil and gas industry, Tilegna and qualify for further training.
Speaking at the MOOC launch, Total's Managing Director in Uganda Philippe Groueix said the aim was to enable "as many Ugandans and companies as possible to participate in the oil and gas sector".
The MOOC will have a dual purpose," he said. Firstly, it will enable a number of people to learn about as many opportunities as possible. "Secondly, it will identify 120 to 250 talented Ugandans who will be further trained," he said.
The training will take place over four years. Initially, this will be carried out with Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK), followed by on-site training at Total's international assets.
MAKE A MARK
The course is open to all Ugandans, said Groueix, "with an emphasis on people living in the Tilenga region".
To qualify for access, Ugandans will need A-levels and a valid e-mail address, the executive said. Applicants must have "a strong desire to learn and develop. Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to take advantage of this free learning and skills opportunity. You'll get a taste of what a future career path could be like.
The project employs 2,200 Ugandans, or around 94% of the total workforce. Total plans to increase this number to around 8,000 during construction.
Peninah Aheebwa, director of technical assistance services at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), said Total would employ 411 Ugandans by 2022. This level is around 63%, she said, noting that there was room for improvement.
"We are very confident that with training, these numbers will increase," she said.
