Shell described its Community Upskilling Programme as one anchored in this principle: a resilient energy sector depends on a skilled, adaptable local workforce. By prioritising training opportunities within its fenceline communities in the East Coast Marine Area (ECMA), the company said it is supporting the development of practical, job-ready competencies that are directly transferable across upstream, downstream and adjacent energy and industrial operations.

Between October and December 2025, 100 residents from the ECMA communities enrolled in the Community Upskilling Programme. On 29 January 2026, 93 persons successfully graduated with industry-recognised certifications across disciplines throughout the modern energy sector.

Training covered seven key disciplines, each reportedly chosen to reflect what the energy sector needs and where it's heading:

  • T-BOSIET

  • Combined Rigging and Lifting

  • Rigging and Lifting Operations – Level 1

  • Heavy Equipment Operation

  • Rope Access

  • Hybrid Vehicle Maintenance

  • Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance – Levels 1 and 2

Shell said these certifications are recognised across the sector, earned close to home and by people who already know the landscape.

The programme was delivered through a collaborative structure with partners: the National Energy Skills Center (NESC), RelyOn Nutec, and Non-Destructive Testers Limited, with NESC anchoring the effort as the primary coordinator and administrative partner.

 
 

Shell's relationship with NESC now spans three years, with the institution providing the national infrastructure and credibility needed to keep a programme of this nature running consistently and successfully. The company added that RelyOn Nutec and Non Destructive Testers Limited contribute technical expertise to help ensure participants receive training aligned with internationally recognised standards.

According to Shell, these partnerships are helping residents of Mayaro and Guayaguayare access training designed to strengthen employability and practical skills development

The company noted that renewable energy, hybrid technologies, and evolving safety standards are reshaping the skills needed across the industry. Shell said that building a workforce capable of keeping pace with those challenges requires sustained investment in training and development.

Shell described the Community Upskilling Programme as one response to that challenge. The company said that by investing in the people living closest to its operations, it is contributing to the development of a wider national talent pool that can benefit the energy sector through safer operations, broader technical capability and a workforce better prepared for future industry needs.