NCDMB Launches Free Oil & Gas Training for 10,000 Nigerian Youths

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has officially launched a major Oil & Gas Field Readiness Training Programme, designed to equip 10,000 Nigerian youths with essential technical and professional skills for employment in the country's expanding oil and gas sector. This initiative prioritizes young graduates, technicians, and professionals, focusing on building competencies in high-demand career paths to prepare participants for operational roles in modern energy projects.

Programme Objectives and Strategic Importance

In a statement announcing the initiative, NCDMB management emphasized that the programme is a key component of the board's Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. This legislation mandates the prioritization of local training and employment, aiming to reduce reliance on expatriates and foster the growth of indigenous talent. The training supports youth employment and benefits local firms by creating a skilled workforce ready to contribute to both indigenous and international oil and gas operations.

Comprehensive Skill Development Areas

The programme covers a wide range of technical and engineering roles critical to the oil and gas industry. Participants will receive training in:

Sub-sea Engineering: Including wellheads, flowlines, umbilicals, and sub-sea trees.
Underwater Welding: Specialized skills for underwater construction and repair.
Control and Automation Engineering: Covering cementing, well control, and rig operations.
Helicopter Piloting: For aerial support in offshore and remote operations.
Seamen/Sailor Roles: Including vessel mechanics and electricians.
Production and Maintenance Engineering: With roles such as Control Room Operators and maintenance crew.
QA/QC Engineering: Including Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Levels 1, 2, and 3.
Geoscience Engineering: Covering seismic analysis, geophysics, and wellsite geology.
Digitization and Digitalization Specialists: Training in AI, ML, IoT, Big Data, cloud computing, and drones.

Training Methodology and Job Placement Support

Participants will benefit from a hands-on, industry-focused approach that includes practical classroom instruction and workshop experience. The content is aligned with industry needs to ensure trainees become field-ready professionals. Upon successful completion, graduates will be added to the NCDMB skills database, significantly enhancing their job placement prospects with operating companies, service providers, and major energy projects across Nigeria.

Application Process for Eligible Candidates

The NCDMB encourages eligible youths to register for the programme, noting that participants will gain practical skills, industry recognition, and opportunities to join ongoing and future oil and gas projects. The application process varies based on the applicant's status:

New Applicants: Create an account at nogicjqs.gov.ng/accounts/login, update your profile and academic records, and complete the NCDMB Oil and Gas Field Readiness Training Programme registration.
Applicants with an Incomplete Profile: Log in at nogicjqs.gov.ng/accounts/login, update your profile and academic records, and proceed to register for the training programme.
Applicants with a Complete Profile: Log in at nogicjqs.gov.ng/accounts/login and proceed directly to register for the training programme.

Broader Context of Youth Employment Initiatives

This training programme aligns with broader federal government efforts to boost youth employment. For instance, the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) has reopened applications for a 12-month paid internship for fresh graduates nationwide. Selected candidates will gain hands-on experience with reputable organizations, and previous applicants need not reapply as their entries will be considered in the current round. These initiatives collectively aim to address unemployment and skill gaps in Nigeria's economy.

The NCDMB's Oil & Gas Field Readiness Training Programme represents a significant step towards empowering Nigerian youths with the expertise needed to thrive in the energy sector, ultimately contributing to national economic growth and reducing dependency on foreign expertise.