NESC Technical Institute (NESC-TI) and the Trinidad and Tobago National Petroleum Marketing Company Limited (NP) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that strengthens national efforts to prepare young Trinidad and Tobago nationals for sustainable careers in the energy and industrial sectors.
The signing, which took place at NP’s Head Office in Sea Lots, formalised a structured apprenticeship partnership under the Point Lisas Industrial Apprenticeship Programme (PLIAP) in key technical areas. Such as Industrial Electrical Installation, Instrumentation, Industrial Mechanical Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Technology, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Disciplines critical to national productivity and energy sector resilience. The agreement addresses one of the country’s most pressing challenges: bridging the gap between certification and competence and ensuring that young people are equipped with real workplace experience.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Kern Dass, President of NESC Technical Institute, emphasised the transformational value of structured apprenticeship.
“When NP and NESC-TI come together under this agreement, we create more than placement opportunities; we create pathways. Pathways to structured apprenticeship programmes, mentorship and, most importantly, sustainable employment. We do not train for theory; we train for performance, safety and industry. This partnership ensures that our young people are not just certified, they are competent.”
Chairman of NP, Mr Arnold Ram, described the partnership as a strategic investment in national capacity.
“This is not simply the signing of a memorandum of agreement. It is the formalisation of a partnership rooted in purpose, through shared commitment, to developing the technical capability, which will enhance vocational training in Trinidad and Tobago. At NP, we understand that excellence in our operations depends on people who are properly trained, disciplined and ready to perform. By opening our facilities and our expertise to these apprentices, we are helping to shape the next generation of industrial professionals.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, The Honourable Ernesto Kesar, Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, underscored the national importance of technical succession planning within the energy sector.
“Apprenticeship programmes are essential to the future of our energy industry. We cannot speak about competitiveness, sustainability or growth without investing in the development of skilled technical workers. Initiatives like this ensure that young people are not left on the margins of opportunity but are positioned at the centre of national development. When we build technical capacity, we build Trinidad and Tobago.”
Also addressing the audience, Senator the Honourable Professor Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, reinforced the broader educational significance of the agreement.
“We must move beyond outdated perceptions that separate academic education from technical training. Both are critical to national advancement. Structured apprenticeship programmes provide the practical exposure that transforms learning into capability. As technologies evolve and industries modernise, our education and training systems must align with economic realities. Partnerships like this one demonstrate how collaboration can translate training into tangible employment outcomes.”
The NP and NESC-TI agreement signals growing alignment between industry, education and government to confront youth unemployment and skills gaps in Trinidad and Tobago. Through mentorship, rotational exposure and immersion in live operational environments, apprentices gain not only technical knowledge, but professional discipline, safety culture and real accountability. At a time when the energy sector continues to play a central role in the national economy, strengthening local technical expertise remains vital. This partnership affirms a shared commitment to ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago’s young people are prepared to sustain, modernise and lead the industries that power the nation.