Page 13 - 2019 Sustainability Report

One day I realized that I could be doing more than selling snacks on the street to provide a better life for my family, and I thought welding would be a good opportunity. Getting into the course is like winning the lottery because it unlocks another level of income for me. It is challenging and physical work, so men think that it will be more difficult for a woman, but
I know I can do it.
Anayencey Otalora Gamboa, Certified Welder
Women Welders: Diversifying
the Workforce Through a Welding Training Program
Welding is one of the most important and high-skill jobs
in the hydrocarbon industry, that traditionally has been dominated by men. GTE is working to change this. As
a result of the collaboration between GTE and West
Arco, Colombia’s renowned technical training institute, Anayencey Otalora Gamboa, a single mother of 3 children, is now the first female qualified welder in San Martín – one of six people who participated in the program in 2019. Women like Anayencey, with no welding experience, now have the chance to participate and get certified through West Arco’s full time, six-month welding program at no cost. The program also includes an incentive salary, making it truly available to everyone.
This level of specialized training is otherwise unavailable in rural areas and also very expensive for students, who must travel to Bogotá or another large city, and pay for tuition, room and board.
Spotlight: Lady Jhoana Potosi, Junior HSE Professional
Lady Jhoana Potosi has been working for GTE for almost four years, and is currently a Junior Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Professional. Lady lives in Villagarzón, the town nearest to the company’s Costayaco facility. With the objective of working in the oil industry, Lady studied at University de Tolima and recently completed a Master’s-level program in Environmental Management.
“The oil industry provides important opportunities for workers
in Villagarzón, where there is significant unemployment. People from my neighbourhood are proud that I was able to get this job, particularly as a woman in this role.”
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