The alliance is in response to the soaring demand for accessible, affordable world-class training for the growing indigenous workforce in the rapidly developing energy regions. With certified training a pre-requisite to enter the industry, it will make specialist eLearning training and qualifications more readily accessible to South African and Namibian nationals working in the sector, as well as new entrants.

Amplo’s first two authorised training centres have been certified to deliver in excess of 1,000 eLearning courses, as well as OPITO-certified invigilated training such as International Minimum Industry Safety Training (IMIST) and Authorised Gas Testing (AGT), as well as the Safety English Test (SET).

The technology-led courses are designed to be accessible through most internet-connected devices including androids, desktops, and mobile devices to maximise the return on investment in skills regardless of geographic barriers.

The partnership will see invigilated training carried out by the West Coast Business Development Centre in Saldanha.

Harry van der Vossen, chief operating officer at Atlas Knowledge, said, "This is an important initiative for Atlas Knowledge in terms of growing our international footprint with our remote-learning solutions now being used to deliver safety-critical oil and gas training in 85 countries around the world.

"South Africa and Namibia are on an upward growth curve with regards to investment in their growing energy industries. Access to training is a vital element of the mechanisms being put in place to address the need for a skilled workforce to allow the countries to capitalise on their potential."

Adriaan van den Berg, operations director at Amplo Development Services, said, "Large corporations are finding it difficult to contract sufficient skilled labour and are increasingly turning to centrally controlled business organisations for support. This partnership combines our on-the-ground knowledge with Atlas’ world-class library of eLearning courses and makes it available to the local market for the first time."