BINTULU: The Petronas Upskilling Scaffolding Level 1 Programme is making a notable impact on human capital development and the local economy, particularly for youth and the surrounding community.
The initiative equips participants with industry-standard technical training, enhancing their employability and opening up job opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee expressed hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for local youth career development.
“Through initiatives like this, our youth can prepare themselves with the skills needed to compete in the industry, especially in Bintulu, which serves as an oil and gas hub.
“This initiative not only helps participants secure job opportunities but also contributes to local economic growth by ensuring a competent and competitive workforce,” he said.
He made these remarks during the graduation ceremony of the Upskilling Scaffolding Level 1 Programme here yesterday (Dec 4).
Iskandar also stressed the need for continuous support from various parties, including district offices, community and village leaders (KMKK), government agencies, private entities, and oil and gas companies, to ensure the programme’s effectiveness.
He urged industries in Bintulu to create more job opportunities for participants who completed the programme.
A total of 23 graduates were celebrated during the ceremony, which was also attended by IKM Bintulu director Mohd Syukri Abdullah and Sarawak Operations Head of Petronas Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP), Hazli Kipli.
The Petronas Upskilling Programme is a strategic initiative aimed at providing basic technical training to youth and residents around the Sarawak–Sabah Gas Pipeline (SSGP) project areas, spanning from Lawas to Bintulu.
In addition to offering courses like Scaffolding Level 1, the programme also includes supplementary skills training such as Work-at-Height (WAH), mechanical fitting, and digital marketing.
The programme is designed to enhance participants’ technical skills, particularly in the oil and gas industry, as well as open up job opportunities and improve the living standards of local communities.
It is expected that the programme will continue to expand with strategic support from all parties to ensure its benefits reach communities along the SSGP route.
Through the programme, participants gain knowledge and skills aligned with industry needs, enabling them to join the workforce in the rapidly growing sector.
