TEP trainees at INSTEP’s Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP) where they undergo on-job-training for the hands-on experience.
A CAREER in the oil and gas industry is an aspiration for many.
For Edgar Isaac Edward, Nur Faizatul Aqilah Mohd Sabta Zahiry and Rafael E. Mathews, they are on the cusp of making their dreams a reality.
The trio are among 27 Sabahan youths who have successfully completed their Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP) at Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.
Edgar’s exposure to the industry was influenced by his brother who works for an oil and gas service provider in Labuan.
“My brother has been encouraging me to work in the same industry since my secondary school days,” shares Edgar who applied for the TEP last November.
Hailing from Kampung Nosoob in Penampang, the 25-year-old’s commitment to joining the sector was further solidified during his time in a diploma programme at a polytechnic and a short stint as a technician for a contractor at PETRONAS Chemicals Methanol Sdn Bhd in Labuan.
Furthermore, hearing about the experiences of INSTEP trainers added to his resolve to pursue a career in the industry.
Edgar receiving his certificate of completion from PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (Sabah Assets) production head Muin Masri at the recent INSTEP graduation ceremony. He is among 27 Sabahan youths who completed their Technical Energy Enrichment Programme (TEP) at INSTEP in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.
Nur Faizatul Aqilah’s desire to work in the oil and gas industry stems from a minor PETRONAS sponsorship that she received when she was in secondary school.
Conversations with her uncle, who works on an offshore oil platform, contributed to her decision.
“I also got exposed to the industry through various activities organised by PETRONAS, such as visits to Petrosains,” says the 23-year-old from Sipitang.
She applied for a placement at the Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre (KTC) after her teacher introduced her to the opportunities in this industry, even though she was already studying at Labuan Matriculation College.
‘I am determined to work in the oil and gas industry because I want to improve my family’s livelihood,’ says Rafael whose parents are rubber tappers.After obtaining her diploma, Nur Faizatul Aqilah worked with a contractor at PETRONAS Chemicals Fertiliser Sdn Bhd before furthering her studies at INSTEP.
Her ultimate goal is to secure a job at PETRONAS, preferably offshore, and contribute to the company, even if it means relocating from Sabah.
“I am beyond grateful for all these opportunities that PETRONAS has given me. My parents did not have to spend on my education,” she says.
As for Rafael, 23, who is from Kampung Sumbiling in Ulu Bongawan, he was unaware of the oil and gas industry despite growing up near the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal in Kimanis.
His journey began when he came across a KTC intake advertisement in a newspaper after completing secondary school at the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Kota Kinabalu in Kinarut, Papar – which opened his eyes to the oil and gas sector, prompting him to set his career path in that direction.
Motivated by financial challenges during his upbringing, with his parents’ income from rubber tapping being unstable, Rafael was determined to enhance his qualifications after obtaining a diploma to improve his employability.
“I am determined to work in the oil and gas industry because I want to improve my family’s livelihood,” he says.
Following the completion of his diploma at KTC, he decided to enroll at INSTEP, even though his parents were initially hesitant due to the distance involved.
Nur Faizatul Aqilah is grateful for all the opportunities that PETRONAS has given her. ‘My parents did not have to spend on my education,’ she says.Rafael looks forward to receiving an offer from PETRONAS, even if it means being posted far from Sabah.
In the meantime, he plans to return home to help his parents. However, at home in a remote area without Internet access means he’ll need to trek up a hill every day for data to check for job offers in his email.
Talent for O&G
The Technical Energy Enrichment Programme is a 10-month pre-employment sponsorship programme designed to develop essential technical competencies to upskill and produce certified job-ready technicians to support the global energy industry.
Edgar, Nur Faizatul Aqilah, Rafael and their course mates received their certificates of completion at INSTEP’s graduation ceremony on Sept 19.
Sponsored by PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (Sabah Assets), this batch represents the first group of sponsored Sabahan learners for upstream industries – specialising in technical trades such as production, instrument, mechanical and electrical.
INSTEP plays a pivotal role in shaping these young talents for the industry. Its signature training programme combines theoretical and practical learning – emphasising the importance of upskilling and upgrading technical competencies.
On-job-training at INSTEP’s Upstream Downstream Training Plant (UDTP) is an integral part of this approach, ensuring that graduates possess not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience.
According to INSTEP chief executive officer Idris Ibrahim, the technical training institution is supporting human capital development as PETRONAS’ competency development partner.
“INSTEP’s role is to equip young talents with the technical skills to contribute to the country’s development,” he says.
