Press release
Paramaribo, October 16, 2026
TotalEnergies EP Suriname B.V., in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Environment, and Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., has successfully completed the first cycle of the Training the Trainers – HSE Awareness Program, an initiative implemented under the SURICAP Program to strengthen safety awareness and workforce development in Suriname. The second cycle will start in November 2026 with an additional 100 teachers.
Launched in April 2026, the program brought together 75 vocational schoolteachers from districts across Suriname in a structured three-module training program designed to strengthen their Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) knowledge and teaching capabilities.
Delivered through the TotalEnergies Professional Academy (TPA), TotalEnergies’ international learning and capacity-building platform, the training was led by HSE expert and trainer Koen Bracquene. The program covered key topics including hazard identification, risk assessment, incident prevention, safety leadership, and safe work practices.
Over the course of the training, participants completed 12 training hours and strengthened their ability to integrate internationally recognized HSE principles into technical and vocational education, helping prepare students for safe work environments and industry expectations.
The initiative follows a train-the-trainers approach, enabling educators to transfer HSE knowledge to current and future students. Through participating teachers, the program is expected to indirectly reach around 400 students over the coming years and expand awareness of internationally recognized safety principles in technical and vocational education.
"Safety is a core value for TotalEnergies. By investing in educators, we help create a multiplier effect that extends beyond the classroom and contributes to the long-term development of a skilled and safety-conscious workforce in Suriname," said Artur Nunes da Silva, General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Suriname B.V.
“Human life is valued when we strive to prevent harm, accidents, and incidents. A workplace that prioritizes safety demonstrates respect for human life and is committed to creating an accident- and incident-free environment. To achieve this goal, safety awareness and education are essential.” said Dirk Currie, Minister of Education, Science and Culture.
The successful completion of this first training cycle demonstrates the value of collaboration between industry and educational institutions in strengthening local skills and preparing Suriname’s future workforce.
As part of its Local Content commitment, TotalEnergies EP Suriname will continue to explore training opportunities and additional learning cycles to further strengthen technical skills and safety awareness in Suriname.
About SURICAP
SURICAP is TotalEnergies EP Suriname's flagship Local Content program, designed to support the development of local capabilities through initiatives focused on education, workforce development, and knowledge transfer. By investing in people and institutions,SURICAP aims to contribute to building the skills and competencies needed to support Suriname's long-term growth and participation in the energy sector.
