GTSC's first Middle East training well opens to delegates

40 delegates from a range of organisations have signed up for courses at the company's Mussaffah, Abu Dhabi base.

The $1.5m investment means delegates can now use the 1,700 ft well to participate in industry recognised training programmes for, amongst others, drilling, completion, coiled tubing, slickline services. The 19m derrick, 16m working platform and 30 tonne hoisting device ensure conditions closely mirror the experience of working on a 'live' rig.

This well is equipped with 7000 gallons water tanks, pre-filling and high pressure pumps and a two inch flowline and slickline unit. A fully air-conditioned classroom and workshop with a slickline unit control console has also been constructed to administer the training to develop all levels starting from green hand.

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.

The training well is the latest addition to GTSC's range of training technology. The company also has industry-leading simulators for Drilling, Coiled Tubing, Workover, Well Testing, Drilling Management Training (DMT), Drilling Operational Training (DOT) and MudSim services.

GTSC Corporate General Manager, Mario Nahas, said: "Opening our training well will bring many benefits to the regional oil and gas industry. Having the opportunity to experience operational working conditions means delegates will be far greater prepared for when they work on a 'live' rig. We have invested a significant sum of money to ensure we have the highest quality equipment and courses and remain the leading Middle East training provider."