Avalon Gold Exploration Incorporated has begun discussions with the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) on potential training opportunities to prepare potential workers for employment at the proposed re-development of the Omai Gold Project.
The new Omai Gold Project is forecast to support about 1,200 jobs during construction and between 800 and 850 direct jobs during operations.
The discussions form part of the company’s efforts to incorporate local content and workforce development into its planning, as it advances technical, environmental and regulatory work for the proposed project in Region Seven.
An Avalon delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Elaine Ellingham, accompanied by Vice President of Operations, Jason Brewster and Director of Government and Community Relations, Jake Thomas, recently visited Linden and toured LTI’s business, electrical, mechanical and other technical departments.
Ellingham said early engagement with training institution would be important to ensure that Guyanese workers can access opportunities arising from potential new mining developments.
“With the potential development of three to four major mines over the next five years, the demand for skills will expand. We need to identify the scope of skills that will be needed at the mines and then support the Institute to develop additional training modules or courses to provide the relevant mining-specific skills,” she said.
She added that on-site training, cooperative work placements and apprenticeships could help students gain practical experience once mining operations are established.
Avalon said it would explore potential partnerships with LTI and the Board of Industrial Training, including opportunities to coordinate with other companies advancing large-scale mining projects in Guyana.
The company said Linden’s proximity to OMAI, its industrial skills base and its long-standing connection to the former mine make the community particularly relevant to future workforce planning.
The company said the discussion forms part of a broader local content approach intended to position Guyanese workers and businesses to participate if OMAI advances. In addition to direct employment, the company has identified transportation, construction, equipment services, engineering, accommodation, catering, maintenance and other support services as areas where local businesses would participate as the project develops.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login