WELDER CURRICULUM BY THE HOBART INSTITUTE OF WELDING, HOSTED BY GFP INTERNATIONAL

Africa is on the threshold of historic transformation that is marked by changes in the post-colonial order and transition away from its role as the world’s supply of cheap resources. The continent is at the threshold of an $800 billion investment cycle in the oil and gas sectors including oil refining, LNG facilities, pipelines; over $100 billion invested in mines and mineral process plants; expansion of electrical supply to 300 million more people by the year 2030; expansion of the manufacturing sector that will result in US$167.2 billion in manufacturing output, 34 million in direct jobs, and 20.1 million lifted out of poverty. However, the existing skill training systems in Africa cannot meet the demand for skilled welders required to meet these ambitious plans. This presents a threat to Africa’s aspirations to industrialize. Projects will be delayed, costs will exceed budgets, and industrial investments will fail to meet their financial and operational objectives unless there is a massive plan to address the skill gaps in the schools which teach welding and manufacturing skills. GFP International is dedicated to addressing the gaps in skill training across the continent. One element of that plan is to address the welding curricula that is needed to produce welders who are certified by global standards. This virtual meeting between Kenyan leaders in government, education and civil society and the CEO of the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology to discuss welding curriculum is just one part of the ten part program envisioned by GFP International to address this major challenge.