NESC-TI welcomed a high-level Ghanaian delegation to its Drilling Academy in Ste. Madeleine on Tuesday, 10 February. The visit formed part of ongoing discussions to strengthen international cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), energy transition, and workforce development.
Importantly, the visit was made possible through the facilitation of Kuralal Rampersad of SMRP. It brought together key representatives from the Government of Ghana and the energy sector. Attendees included William Anani-Abotsi, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana; Seth Mahu, Director of Renewable Energy and Green Transition; Charles Kwakye-Marfo, Chargé d’Affaires; and Emmanuella N.A. Opong-Peprah, First Secretary for Political and Economic Affairs.
The visit followed earlier meetings with the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and the Ministry of Tertiary Education & Skills Training. As part of these engagements, discussions focused on knowledge-sharing, institutional collaboration, and future-oriented skills training.
During the visit, the delegation was introduced to NESC-TI’s curriculum. This included drilling and rig operations programmes, renewable energy initiatives, and flexible learning pathways.
Members of the delegation commended NESC-TI’s forward-thinking approach to training for the energy transition. They highlighted the importance of preparing technicians and technologists who can adapt to evolving global energy markets. The discussions also reflected Ghana’s own progress in renewable energy deployment.
President of NESC-TI, Kern Dass, said, “NESC-TI strives to remain relevant to both present and emerging industry needs. As industry evolves, so must we. We must be flexible, responsive, and aligned with current demands and future workforce realities.”
Significantly, a key outcome of the visit was the expressed interest in formalising collaboration through potential memoranda of understanding (MOUs). These discussions covered student exchanges, hands-on industrial attachments, and joint curriculum development. There was also interest in establishing a similar training facility in Ghana, supported by NESC-TI’s expertise and standards.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Drilling Academy’s training rig and direct engagement with NESC-TI students.
Overall, the visit underscores NESC-TI’s growing role as a regional and international leader in industry-aligned technical training. It also reflects a shared commitment between Trinidad and Tobago and Ghana to building resilient, future-ready workforces that support energy security, sustainability, and economic growth.
