PCK (Panyu Chu Kong Steel Pipe Co.), the firm contracted to manufacture and supply line pipes for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project, has partnered with the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) to graduate 80 youth from a specialised one-year vocational training programme aimed at boosting skills development along the pipeline corridor.

The graduation ceremony, held yesterday at VETA Moshi in Kilimanjaro, brought together trainees from VETA Moshi, VETA Kilindi, and VETA Shinyanga. The initiative was launched in January 2025, targeting young men and women from communities situated along the pipeline route.

The graduates received practical skills in eight technical fields—plumbing and pipe fitting, boiler mechanics, masonry and bricklaying, painting and sign writing, plant operation, electrical installation, motor vehicle mechanics, welding and metal fabrication, and electronics.

According to PCK, the programme is part of its local content commitments under the multibillion-dollar pipeline project. The company has already manufactured and delivered 260,000 tonnes of coated line pipes—equivalent to 1,542 kilometres—in 16 batches over two years, without any major delays.

Speaking during the event, EACOP Acting General Manager for Tanzania, Geofrey Mponda, reaffirmed the project’s long-term focus on human capital development.

“Investing in people lies at the core of EACOP’s mission,” he said. “Already, 1,250 kilometres of line pipe have been welded, and the project stands at 74 percent overall progress. Beyond delivering the pipeline, we are committed to creating lasting social and economic impact through initiatives that empower local communities.”

EACOP Tanzania Local Content Manager, Neema Kweka, emphasised that the programme serves as a model of effective collaboration between government training institutions and the private sector.

“This initiative demonstrates our strong commitment to local content development,” she said. “By aligning EACOP’s objectives with national development priorities, we ensure that institutions and communities directly benefit from large-scale investments.”

Families, community leaders, development partners, and government officials attended the ceremony, which was marked by celebrations, demonstrations of newly acquired skills, and calls to expand similar programmes across regions hosting large infrastructure projects.

The initiative is expected to enhance employability for the graduates and help create a pool of skilled technicians capable of supporting Tanzania’s broader industrial and infrastructure ambitions.

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline spans 1,443 kilometres—from Hoima in Uganda to Tanga in Tanzania—and includes six pumping stations, two pressure reduction stations, and a marine export terminal. EACOP Ltd., the special-purpose company overseeing the project, is jointly owned by TotalEnergies (62 percent), Uganda National Oil Company (15 percent), TPDC (15 percent), and CNOOC (8 percent).