In a strategic push to boost youth employability in Mozambique’s industrial sectors, ExxonMobil and Field Ready, in collaboration with Area 4 partners and the Government of Mozambique, launched a nationwide Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Training Program on Thursday.

The initiative, which went live on the national employability platform, is designed to equip young Mozambicans with critical skills aligned with international safety and environmental standards. Within just a few hours of the launch, more than 1,400 students had registered. The program aims to reach at least 10,000 participants by the end of 2025.

The launch took place simultaneously across 19 educational institutions in multiple provinces, signaling a large-scale effort to close the skills gap in industries such as oil and gas, construction, logistics, and heavy machinery.

Speaking during the launch, Justin Clouter, ExxonMobil’s Operations Director for the Rovuma LNG project, said the program represents a long-term investment in Mozambique’s human capital.

“We can’t promise jobs, but we can guarantee that these young people will leave better prepared to seize opportunities,” Clouter stated. “We’re investing in employability, not just for the Rovuma LNG project, but for the country’s broader development.”

Clouter emphasized that the HSE training is not just beneficial, it’s essential. “Occupational safety and health are non-negotiable values for any serious operator. Young people who complete this program will be aligned with global industry standards.”

The program is delivered through a digital platform operated by Field Ready, with a strong emphasis on accessibility. Recognizing challenges with internet connectivity in some areas, the training is also being offered in person at technical institutes and universities.

Gaspar Buque, Field Ready’s country director, highlighted the importance of contextualizing the training content.

“The modules are based on international standards but designed with local cultural and technical awareness,” Buque said.

Beyond technical training, the platform includes modules on soft skills, communication, work ethics, and interview preparation areas often overlooked in traditional training programs.

Mozambique faces a high rate of youth unemployment, with thousands of graduates entering a competitive job market each year. The HSE certification offers a practical advantage for young people looking to enter strategic industries where safety credentials are often a prerequisite.

When asked about the scale of investment, Clouter declined to disclose figures but reiterated ExxonMobil’s strong commitment.

“We want to see thousands of young people completing this training, earning certifications, and transforming their futures,” he said. 

The training program is part of ExxonMobil’s broader strategy to strengthen local content ahead of the Rovuma LNG project’s next phases. The company has pledged to continue working with government and private sector partners to build a capable, certified, and competitive national workforce.