170 Graduates Empowered Through Shell Internship Programme
Congratulations to the Shell Scholars
The NCDMB/PETAN/SPDC JV Graduate Internship Programme has successfully trained and empowered 170 young graduates in Nigeria, preparing them for impactful careers in the oil and gas industry. The initiative, which started in 2014, has become a significant avenue for human capital development in the country.
Building Local Expertise in Oil and Gas
Under this programme, graduates are attached to indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors to gain hands-on experience. Notably, 133 out of the 170 interns have been employed by these companies, showcasing the programme’s success as a talent pipeline for the industry.
The latest batch of 49 graduates completed their internship earlier this month at a ceremony held in Port Harcourt. The internship began in 2022 and has proven to be a transformative journey for the participants.
Industry Leaders Laud the Initiative
Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), praised the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Joint Venture for supporting the programme. He emphasized its importance in developing local manpower for the critical oil and gas sector.
“The internship is more than a learning opportunity. It provides fresh graduates with technical expertise, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers,” said SPDC’s General Manager, Nigerian Content, ‘Lanre Olawuyi.
The initiative is further strengthened by the collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), which joined in 2022. Since then, the programme has enrolled 100 participants and continues to promote Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.
Broader Educational Impact
The programme aligns with SPDC’s broader educational initiatives, contributing to UNESCO’s ‘Education for All’ agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta. Monthly stipends for the interns are funded by SPDC, with support from JV partners like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, TotalEnergies, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited.
The internship is more than a learning opportunity. It provides fresh graduates with technical expertise, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers.”
— ‘Lanre Olawuyi, SPDC’s General Manager, Nigerian Content
The NCDMB/PETAN/SPDC JV Graduate Internship Programme is a beacon of hope for young graduates seeking opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Its impact extends beyond technical training, providing real-world experience and fostering employment. By building local capacity, the initiative strengthens the industry and contributes to Nigeria’s economic growth.
This programme underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling unemployment and advancing human capital development.
