On the sidelines of the Global Energy Show in Calgary, Canada, the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), Dr Toni Aubynn held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) to explore collaborative opportunities in technical and vocational training for Ghanaian artisans.
The high-level engagement, which took place during one of the energy sectorโs most influential global gatherings, centered on capacity-building initiatives aimed at equipping Ghanaian youth with the skills required to support the Petroleum Hub Project, which is poised to become a major energy infrastructure development in West Africa.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Aubynn emphasized the critical role of artisan training in the successful delivery and long-term sustainability of the hub.
โWe are laying the foundation for an industrial transformation in Ghana, and to succeed, we must invest in the people who will build and maintain the infrastructure. Partnering with world-class institutions like SAIT and NAIT ensures that our artisans are trained to international standards and can contribute meaningfully to the energy value chain once the project takes off,โ he noted.
The leadership of SAIT and NAIT expressed strong interest in supporting PHDCโs vision, highlighting their institutionsโ track record in industry-aligned technical training and applied research.
The proposed collaboration will focus on structured training programs in welding, pipefitting, instrumentation, electrical work, and health and safety standards, among other specialized areas. PHDC is also exploring possibilities for scholarships, exchange programs, and the establishment of a Center of Excellence in technical training in Ghana as part of this broader partnership.
The meeting forms part of PHDCโs international stakeholder engagements to foster strategic alliances that support the development of Ghanaโs petroleum hub and accelerate industrialization through local content development.
The Global Energy Show continues this week in Calgary, bringing together global leaders, industry experts, and innovators to shape the future of energy. PHDCโs participation underscores Ghanaโs commitment to positioning itself as a competitive player in the global energy economy.
