Inception of SP-1

As operator of Kashagan field Agip KCO worked out a long-term strategy of exploitation of oil. A nationalization plan was prepared by Agip KCO. Essence of the plan was to prepare national workforce for operating of Agip KCO’s plants and facilities. Agip KCO had had to ensure a gradual and managed development of Kazakhstan national workforce in Atyrau in accordance with agreement between consortiums and government. Instructors with huge experience in Oil and Gas Industry were invited to work with Agip KCO. For this purposes modern building with facilities was built. New technologies implemented in different types of simulators and even hi-tech simulators were purchased.

 

Recruitment Process

For SP-1 project initially 193 students were required all over Kazakhstan in 2003. Only the best of the best passed complex tests, which included technical tests and an interview with technical specialists.

 

Disciplines

The future specialists were recruited for Maintenance Electrical Supervisors, Electrical technicians, Maintenance Instrument Supervisor, Drilling Supervisors , Instrument technician, Maintenance Mechanical Supervisor, Mechanical Technician Process Utilities, Control Room SPV, Process Plant Operator, Utilities Plant Operator, Maintenance Planning Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Instrument Engineer, Production Planner, Mobile Export Operator, Plant Supervisor, HSE Technician. It had been a very hard work to train diverse specialties, to prepare all paperwork within documentation. A lot of work was done by the first instructors, they used new innovation techniques for studying English and Technical courses. Management of studying process was dramatically improved. They finished their study despite numerous problems, which occurred during the project.

 

The Course

The educational program was specially and uniquely designed for Special Project. The program included English language, Basic Discipline Knowledge, Transition Course and Technical course. English language course represented 6 months course. After finishing this course students were able to understand skilled instructors from abroad, tutors from different west Universities. Basic Discipline Knowledge gave a basic understanding of school program and helped in future disciplines. During the transition course trainees did variety projects for improving their soft skills and personal skills. Technical courses were conducted by International Degree Tutors. Within the Training Special Projects framework and as part of the Well Operations Training activity a "Drilling Supervisors Course - 1st Edition" was going. It involved 17 trainees, while 8 others attended the "Drilling Supervisors Course - 2nd Edition" from October, 2005. A Drilling and Well Control Simulator (DWCS) had been purchased and installed at the Atyrau Training Centre in order to provide trainees with a risk free virtual training environment and through which to understand, identify and acquire more knowledge on drilling and well operations. Mario Trucchi, a drilling specialist from Eni Corporate University, held an induction course on DWCS. More specific courses and practical simulations was held along the Drilling Supervisors Courses in order to make all future Agip KCO Drilling Supervisors as skilled as possible on drilling and well control activities before they were appointed to relevant positions. The DWCS meet all international standards as required by the "International Well Control Forum" such that relevant internationally-recognized certification could be provided according to the above-mentioned standards.

Also training path envisaged on-job-training in different countries, which the trainees successfully attended. Italy, Nigeria, Congo, Kazakhstan refineries and power plants welcomed the students. The trainees worked with EMS in Italy, with Saipem s.a. in France, Italy and other countries. Also they have been in Italy, Nigeria, Congo, Kazakhstan’s refineries and facilities.

Before ATC was build, trainees attended their courses in a building near the Shagala Resorts. The training program required a specific workshop in order to show for trainees near the real situations on facilities of the plant and plant itself.