GTSC announce plans for first middle east training well

GTSC has already experienced significant interest in the related courses, with 50 delegates signed up.

The $1.5m investment will see a new 1,700 ft well with seven-inch casing drilled and three-inch completion, complete with a 19m derrick and a 16m working platform. A 30 tonne hoisting device will enable completion strings to be run in and out the well ensuring the training disseminated is as accurate to real operations as possible.

The well will provide course participants with hands on experience in Drilling, Completion, Well Intervention and Workover situations, enabling organisations to effectively train their staff to the highest standards. The courses meet Integrated Management System (IMS) standards, such as ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004, International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) regulations as well as regional and international safety directives.

The new well complements competency-based training systems which GTSC has been developing and implementing in recent years. As these courses provide the opportunity to learn on a trial and error basis, delegates can become proficient without endangering themselves and others. Industry incidents which occur through lack of training can have a major impact on businesses, not only in monetary terms but also in reputation. As such competency-based training is recognised as more effective than on-the-job training as delegates get full time hands-on experience instead of being a bystander on site.

GTSC Corporate General Manager, Mario Nahas, said:

"We are very pleased to announce our expansion plans. The initial take-up of the training well courses shows there is a great need for such programmes in the region to develop nationals from green hand to any level as future for the nation. We put a great deal of time and effort into developing our courses and well with the derrick to enhance the ability to deliver highest quality of training."

"Whether it's through purchasing new equipment or certifying our training programmes to industry standards, we are always looking to improve the service we offer. As such, we feel investing in these facilities difficult economic times will ensure we remain the leading training provider in the Middle East."