Media Release - Ministry of Labour Partners with NGC and National Energy to Equip University Graduates with Professional Experience
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - Tuesday 7 February, 2023
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) recently signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) and its subsidiary National Energy of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (National Energy) respectively to facilitate work-based training for Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago who recently completed their University degrees across disciplines.
The two-year initiative is being implemented through the Ministry’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) Programme with automatic renewal of the partnership in 2025. This Programme will provide a tangible opportunity for these future leaders to gain invaluable professional experience in their respective disciplines via the Group’s already-established Graduate Trainee Programme.
Both Signings signal the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at building capability and capacity across various fields within the local energy sector. Further, the programme affords the companies in the NGC Group the opportunity to include upcoming professionals in the implementation of the Group’s Green Agenda. This type of partnership is critical for the future growth and development of Trinidad and Tobago particularly as the country transitions towards a low-carbon future.
Commenting on the Signings, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) for the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Natalie Willis, noted that while National Energy is the first company to partner with the Ministry since the restructuring of the OJT Programme, she was happy to also welcome the NGC as a partner. Ms. Willis added: “The execution of this MOA represents the product of collective efforts between the Ministry of Labour and both companies to build a talent pipeline that can meet the country’s present and future needs. This alliance emphasises the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the business community to provide recent graduates with valuable opportunities for skills application and development.”
The Signing ceremonies were attended by the Chairman of NGC and National Energy, Dr. Joseph Khan, who remarked that: “this programme will provide an excellent opportunity for participants to contribute to the local energy transition, which is aligned to NGC’s and National Energy’s mandate and strategy. It is an exciting time for the energy sector, and I encourage each Trainee to fully utilise this experience to position themselves as our next generation of professionals and future leaders.”
Caption: Permanent Secretary (Ag.) for the Ministry of Labour, Ms. Natalie Willis and President of National Energy, Dr. Vernon Paltoo, sign Memorandum of Agreement to provide university graduates with work-based training. Looking on from R to L are: Dr. Joseph Khan, Chairman of National Energy, Camille Blackman, Manager of Legal & Corporate Secretariat Services and Joann David, Director of the OJT Division, Ministry of Labour.
Caption: The Honourable Stephen Mc Clashie, M.P., Minister of Labour shakes hand with Mr. Mark Loquan, President, NGC. Also in the photo from left to right: - Ms. Joann David, Director, On the Job Training Division at Ministry of Labour; Ms. Natalie Willis, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) Ministry of Labour; Dr. Joseph Ishmael Khan, Chairman, NGC; and, Ms.Gillian Chevrotiere, Senior Manager, People Leadership and Culture, NGC.
For further information, please contact the Communications Unit at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 625-8478 exts. 1203, 1208.
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