Press release
Paramaribo, July 2, 2026
Javier Rielo, Senior Vice President Americas, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, visited the Practicum Center Lelydorp on June 30, one of the pilot institutions participating in the Suriname Capacity Program (SURICAP), to meet students, educators and partners supporting the initiative.
As part of TotalEnergies EP Suriname's Local Content strategy, SURICAP was developed under the company's workforce development pillar to help strengthen education and technical and vocational training in Suriname. Implemented in collaboration with Staatsolie, the Government of Suriname, educational institutions, more than 40 industry partners and international organizations, the program aims to build national capacity and prepare future generations for employment opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy.
During the visit, Mr. Rielo learned more about the development plans for Practicum Center Lelydorp, one of Suriname's leading Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, which serves more than 900 students through six schools offering lower and middle-level technical education.
“Education is one of the most powerful investments we can make—not only in individuals, but in the future of Suriname,” said Javier Rielo. “Through SURICAP, we are working together with our partners to strengthen skills development, expand opportunities, and help prepare the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow.”
As a SURICAP pilot institution, Practicum Center Lelydorp will benefit from upgrades led by a consortium headed by Fernandes Group, with participation from VSH United, Indutec, Elgawa and TotalEnergies EP Suriname. The initiative includes facility modernization, updated competency-based curricula, teacher training and enhanced industry collaboration. Technical workshops will also be upgraded to support training in areas such as welding, pipework, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and solar technology.
The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, educational institutions and industry in developing the skilled workforce needed to support Suriname's long-term growth.
About SURICAP
SURICAP (Suriname Capacity Program) is a workforce development initiative under TotalEnergies EP Suriname's Local Content strategy, implemented in collaboration with Staatsolie and the Government of Suriname. The program focuses on strengthening education and technical and vocational training through partnerships between government, industry and educational institutions, contributing to sustainable national capacity development.