Workforce Solutions for Onshore and Offshore Projects
Guyana’s energy sector has grown faster than almost any other in the world over the past decade. What was a relatively small economy has become one of the most active offshore oil and gas markets on the planet, and the demand for skilled workers across every level of the industry has grown with it.
For businesses operating here, finding and retaining the right people is one of the most pressing practical challenges. For professionals, the range of roles available is significant. This page sets out what is driving that demand, what the regulatory environment requires, and how WRS can help on both sides.
What is Driving Demand for Talent in Guyana
The scale of Guyana’s offshore development is what makes this market different. The Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil in partnership with Hess and CNOOC, has become one of the world’s most productive deepwater developments. Production reached 900,000 barrels per day in late 2025 following the startup of the fourth FPSO, the ONE GUYANA, with a total of seven approved projects and a production capacity target of 1.5 million barrels per day in the pipeline.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, Guyana went from zero production in 2019 to over 645,000 barrels per day by early 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing non-OPEC producers in the world during that period.
That rate of development generates sustained demand for offshore engineers, marine crew, project managers, HSE professionals, and skilled tradespeople. It also creates demand across the onshore infrastructure and construction sectors that support it.
Understanding Guyana’s Local Content Requirements
Any business or recruiter working in Guyana’s oil and gas sector needs to understand the Local Content Act 2021. Passed on 31 December 2021, the legislation requires operators, contractors, and subcontractors to give first preference to Guyanese nationals for employment and sets minimum local sourcing targets across 40 categories of goods and services.
A requirement to hire at least 80 per cent of employees locally applies across domestic and foreign investment projects in the sector. Companies must also submit annual Employment Sub-Plans that forecast hiring needs, identify skills gaps, and demonstrate how Guyanese workers will be trained and developed alongside international specialists.
The Government of Guyana’s Local Content Secretariat maintains the official register of Guyanese nationals and companies eligible for procurement in the petroleum sector and publishes vacancy notices directly.
For any business hiring in Guyana, compliance with this legislation is not optional, and navigating it requires local knowledge. Getting it wrong carries significant penalties. Getting it right builds the community relationships and regulatory standing that long-term project success depends on.
Workforce Needs Across the Sector
The active projects in Guyana require people across a broad range of functions. Current demand is particularly strong in these areas:
- Offshore engineers and technicians covering drilling, production, and maintenance operations across FPSO vessels and associated infrastructure.
- Project and construction managers for onshore infrastructure, refinery development, and support facilities.
- HSE specialists who understand both international safety standards and the specific requirements of Guyana’s regulatory environment.
- Skilled tradespeople, including welders, electricians, and mechanics, where local supply is growing, but gaps remain in specialist experience.
- Marine crew and rig staff for the vessels and logistics operations that support offshore production.
- For international candidates, roles in Guyana typically involve rotation schedules, and mobilisation logistics, including visas, medicals, and travel coordination, need to be managed carefully.
How WRS Supports Recruitment in Guyana
WRS works with operators, contractors and service companies on both local hiring and international mobilisation for projects in Guyana. We understand the Local Content Act requirements and can structure recruitment campaigns that meet compliance obligations while identifying the best available candidates, locally and globally.
For local hiring, we source and screen Guyanese nationals across technical and professional disciplines, support workforce localisation strategies, and help businesses build employment plans that satisfy regulatory requirements.
For specialist roles where international talent is needed, we draw on a global network, manage visa and relocation support, and handle the logistics of getting people to the site on time.
We also support professionals looking for work in Guyana, including access to roles that are not publicly advertised and guidance on how to position your experience for this market.
Get in Touch
If you are hiring for a project in Guyana or looking for your next role in one of the world’s most active energy markets, WRS can help.
