(VNF) - As many as 26 young, high potential oil & gas professionals from PetroVietnam (PVN) have been given a unique opportunity to further develop their skills through the GE Oil & Gas first-ever localized management and technical skills course in Vietnam.

According to Visal Leng, General Manager of Asia-Pacific for GE Oil & Gas, this initiative is about strengthening the talent and skills base needed for the future, successful development of the oil & gas industry in Vietnam.

“We are working in partnership with PVN to ensure the next generation of oil & gas professionals have the skills, knowledge and insights needed to be able to succeed in an ever-changing environment. During these uncertain times for our industry, we cannot afford to stay focused exclusively on the present. Now more than ever, we need to also think of and invest in the future,” Mr Visal said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh city on October 4th, Mr. Pham Nhu Khanh, Vice President of PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation said that the company was highly appreciative of GE’s efforts to support the development of its employees.

“It is a unique opportunity for 26 of our future leaders to gain in-depth knowledge and acquire valuable technical and leadership skills, which will not only open up their career pathways but also positively contribute to the industry’s sustainable growth.”

Delivered through the GE Oil & Gas University over a four-week period - the course covers Leadership, Energy & Process and Equipment and will be delivered by experts from GE and other leading organizations.

According to Sandro Fantini, GE Oil & Gas University Director, the University’s program has contributed to building an extraordinary, world-wide network of professionals for more than a decade.

Since its establishment, the University has hosted 87 national and international oil & gas companies, as well as recorded about 770 graduates of resident and localized courses from 35 countries.

Today, GE invests more than USD1 billion each year in employee development worldwide. As of 2015, GE Crotonville leadership center served more than 40,000 employees and 4,200 customers. Close to a hundred of top leaders from GE’s customers and partners in Vietnam have joined the intensive leadership development programs at Crotonville campus./.

( VNF )