TotalEnergies trains 75 subject teachers in safety awareness; second group starts in November

The training is intended to contribute to better preparing students for safety requirements in the labour market, including in Suriname’s growing oil and gas sector. A second training round will begin in November 2026, with another 100 teachers taking part.

The training programme, which began in April 2026, is part of TotalEnergies’ SURICAP programme. The initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment, and Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V.

Through the programme, TotalEnergies aims to increase safety awareness within technical and vocational education. The emphasis is on strengthening the knowledge and skills of teachers so that they can subsequently pass these on to their students.

Teachers learn to identify risks and prevent accidents

The training was provided through the TotalEnergies Professional Academy (TPA), the energy company’s international training platform. HSE expert Koen Bracquene guided participants through three training modules, with a total duration of twelve hours.

Various topics were covered during the training, including identifying workplace hazards, assessing risks, preventing incidents, safety-conscious leadership and applying safe working methods.

The knowledge gained should enable teachers to integrate internationally recognised safety principles into their lessons. This will allow students to become familiar with safety regulations applied in industrial sectors during their training.

According to TotalEnergies, approximately 400 students are expected to benefit indirectly in the coming years from the knowledge gained by the participating teachers.

Safety starts with education

Artur Nunes da Silva, managing director of TotalEnergies EP Suriname, emphasises that safety is a fundamental value within the company. According to him, investing in teachers has a long-term effect because they can pass on their knowledge to multiple generations of students.

“By investing in teachers, we create a multiplier effect that extends beyond the classroom and contributes to the development of a well-trained workforce that is safety-conscious,” Nunes da Silva said.

Minister Dirk Currie of Education, Science and Culture also underlines the importance of safety education.

According to the minister, a safe working environment demonstrates respect for human life. Preventing accidents and incidents must therefore be an important principle in both education and business.

Currie stresses that awareness and education are essential to creating a working environment in which accidents and incidents are prevented as much as possible.

Preparation for future employment

With the training, TotalEnergies is responding to the growing need for qualified workers who meet international safety standards. Particularly in technical professions and the energy sector, knowledge of health, safety and environment is an important part of professional practice.

The initiative is part of TotalEnergies’ Local Content policy, through which the company aims to support the development of local expertise and skills.

The SURICAP programme focuses on education, professional development and knowledge transfer. The aim is to better prepare Surinamese workers and companies for future economic opportunities, including employment in the energy sector.

Following the completion of the first training round, TotalEnergies is preparing for the next group of 100 teachers, who will begin the training in November. The company indicates that it will also explore additional training opportunities in the future to further strengthen technical knowledge and safety awareness in Suriname.