Tengizchevroil together with the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) provide training to Kazakhstani entrepreneurs in the basics of certification according to the standard of the American Petroleum Institute API Q1 and Q2.
“The specification of quality assurance programs in the oil, petrochemical and gas industries” allows equipment manufacturers and service providers to enter the American market. The international quality standard is not yet mandatory in Kazakhstan, but its owners have an advantage when TCO selects a potential supplier.
TCO and EBRD organized a free training course on the API Q1 and Q2 basics in Atyrau to help domestic companies compete with international brands. 19 Kazakhstani entrepreneurs registered for the training, and from June 24 to June 26 they thoroughly studied the main requirements of the specification. As part of the course, the trainer revealed the content of the API standards, focusing on what should be considered when planning, developing and implementing each documentation requirement, keeping records and preparing for a certification audit. Using the “Think About It’s” practical training, the course helped the attendees develop a practical understanding that will contribute to successful implementation of an API Q1 and API Q2 certified quality management system.
Entrepreneurs training is part of the TCO strategy for Kazakhstani content development. “This standard confirms the high quality of the company’s work and is a key factor when making a purchase decision, so we decided to help Kazakhstani companies to get closer to TCO procurement. The next step is to train local entrepreneurs in the basics of safety. We will bring a specialist who will tell about the basics of safe work. In addition, we plan to conduct trainings in Atyrau, Almaty and Nur-Sultan in September, where we will talk about the TCO procurement process. We see that many domestic companies simply do not know the procurement process and, therefore, have no chance to compete with others,” said Shaun Doherty, Kazakhstani content development manager.
The course attendees have not yet decided whether to implement the API standard: the main reason is the need for investment. Director of Studbolt Manufacturing LLP Saken Muratov: “The training was very useful for those enterprises that produce or provide services for the oil and gas sector.
We have finally realized the API’s advantage over the ISO standard. It surely needs to be implemented, but it is expensive. We will discuss this with the EBRD, TCO, NCOC and investors, and if we get support, we will definitely implement it.”
“The EBRD is currently offering two programs to support domestic SMEs. The first one involves engagement of local consultants who focus on narrow special tasks of companies – implementation of CRM, ERP, quality management systems, sales, energy audits, etc. If a company invites a local consultant for this purpose, the EBRD covers 50% of the consultant’s fees. The other program provides for engagement of international industry experts. These are industry leaders, top managers and heads of major groups of companies and international companies with experience of 15 years and more. These specialists help develop companies at a strategic and higher operational level. When engaging such experts, the company may have about 85% of the consultant’s services covered. But one needs to understand that we cannot cover the cost of the services of an auditor who conducts certification,” said Arman Ishmukhamedov, a senior specialist on EBRD projects.
Arailym Kuanyshkereyeva, Advisor on Kazakhstani Content at Tengizchevroil, noted that the same training will be conducted in Almaty next week. The companies that TCO already cooperates with and plans to expand cooperation will be able to take part in the training. The training course is perfect for licensees and applicants for API Monogram, quality control managers, oilfield equipment manufacturers and service companies, personnel on assessment of suppliers, auditors, quality system managers and specialists in business support or management in the oil and gas industry.