The human link is essential in the ARG project; essential in the same way as energy because it represents the cement of societal acceptability and the development of a heavy refining industry in Guinea.
From the project’s launch, maximizing local content has been a priority. This imperative, driven by Guinean regulations and expectations, was coupled with an explicit operational pragmatism. The objective was to promote the employment of the local workforce, which necessitates a significant effort in training and skills upgrading.
Building on this context, Alteo initiated a collaboration with UNIDO, whose strategic mandate aligns with this priority area. This unprecedented partnership between UNIDO and a private sector actor has entrusted the UN agency with the implementation of the Alumina Trades Training School of Guinea.
Developed in close collaboration with the Guinean Ministries of Technical and Higher Education, and in response to ARG’s detailed needs, the project is in its initial phase of realization, focusing on establishing its structural and budgetary framework. This innovative initiative, supported by all stakeholders, generates strong expectations.
EFAG, A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE ALUMINA INDUSTRY
The Guinean Alumina Trades School (EFAG) is designed as a specialized vocational training center, offering modern, high-quality training programs perfectly suited to the needs of the bauxite/alumina industry.
Training for future production and maintenance operators in priority sectors: industrial mechanics, industrial electricity, automated systems, welding, boilermaking and piping.
Supplier Capacity Building : Vocational training in carpentry, lifting, scaffolding and masonry, essential skills for the maintenance of industrial buildings.
The EFAG will be located on the ERAM site in Boké, close to the bauxite mines and future refineries, offering practical learning and direct access to industrial realities.
The current contract will enable all the legal, organizational and technical foundations of the EFAG to be put in place by the summer of 2025. The next step will be the actual establishment of this school, which will welcome its first cohorts of students from the end of 2025 in a test training course dedicated to industrial mechanics.
Strengthening the national education system
Improving higher education with a tailor-made program co-constructed with the Processing-Metallurgy Department of the Higher Institute of Mines and Geology of Boké, aimed at training senior managers specialized in bauxite processing and industrial engineering, by integrating new processes and technologies.
Modernization of technical training in priority skilled trades, with the development of new programs and capacity building at the Boké Regional School of Arts and Crafts.
Strengthening public-private collaboration mechanisms and institutional capacities of key players in the training-employment sector in the Boké region.
Public-private partnership for development
The Government of Guinea, Alteo, and UNIDO have formed a public-private partnership for development (PPPD). The objective is to improve access to quality training for young Guineans, enabling them to access skilled jobs in the mining industry, particularly in the expanding alumina sector. Our partnership will support the effective implementation of national industrial development and local content policies, contributing to strategic objectives on employment and education, and the SDGs.
SCHEDULE
Phase 1: July 2024-2025: Consultation, analysis, development of training programs.
August 2025: Start of operational activities
A first step taken with Gamal University
A first training session on the Bayer process was delivered in 2024 through 4 master classes for students at the end of their Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering by an Alteo expert. This first session, also aimed at familiarizing students with the instances and testing the first modules, reached 35 Guinean students and led to the recruitment of the first 3 process engineers for the project. These will be integrated into EFAG soon.