As one cohort of trainees completes its first year of training and a new cohort begins its journey, the Simandou Training Capability Development Centre continues to support the development of the skills needed for the Simandou Project and Guinea’s future workforce.
Located at the SimFer mine in Siatouro, the Training Capability Development Centre is a hub of learning delivered through an investment of nearly US$6 million. The centre hosts a wide range of programmes, workshops and events that help employees, contractors and local community members develop and strengthen capacities to create a skilled, competent and safety-conscious workforce. Every week, nearly 500 employees and contractors participate in accredited training across operations, high-risk work, health and safety, inductions, carpentry, fabrication and other technical disciplines.
“Our vision is to build skills that last,” says Mamady Condé, Superintendent, Training & Capability Development at Rio Tinto SimFer. “This is about developing people who can support the project for decades while creating a safer workplace for everyone.”
One of the flagship programmes delivered at the site is the Capability Reinforcement Centre, a three-year initiative launched in June 2025. The programme provides internationally recognised training that prepares young Guineans for future operational roles while equipping them with skills recognised both nationally and internationally.
For Salematou Camara, a trainee in Electrical and Instrumentation, the hands-on nature of the training is what makes the biggest difference for her.
"The training we receive allows us to develop skills that are aligned with the demands of the professional world. What I particularly enjoy is the practical aspect of the programme, because it gives us the opportunity to apply what we learn in theory. Having a diploma is important, but having practical experience and technical skills is just as important. The centre plays an essential role in helping us achieve that."
Salematou Camara
Trainee, Electrical and Instrumentation
The centre recently marked an important milestone as the 2025 apprenticeship cohort successfully completed the first year of its three-year journey. The event also welcomed the 2026 intake, bringing together trainees at different stages of the programme. It provided an opportunity for second-year trainees to share their experiences and lessons learned with those just beginning their training.
For Kalilou Kourouma, a fixed plant maintenance trainee, the programme has helped build the confidence to take a more proactive approach to equipment reliability and workplace safety.
"I am particularly proud when I can identify potential equipment issues before they develop into mechanical breakdowns. Being able to diagnose a problem, understand its root cause and take preventive action is a very rewarding skill, and one that gives me a real sense of accomplishment."
Kalilou Kourouma
Fixed plant maintenance trainee
The 2026 cohort includes 50% women, an important achievement towards increasing female participation in technical careers. Angeline Gaou Guilavogui, a welding and fabrication trainee, and Safety Champion for 2025-2026, has witnessed that progress firsthand.
"In the first intake, there were only around a dozen women. Today, there are over 50. This shows that more women are choosing to pursue technical careers and take their place in industries that were once considered male-dominated."
Angeline Gaou Guilavogui
Welding and fabrication trainee, Safety Champion 2025-2026
For Rio Tinto SimFer, investing in training and capability development is an important part of strengthening local content and creating opportunities for Guineans to participate in the Simandou Project and beyond.
“When more trainees from the Simandou region gain employment, households benefit from stable incomes,” says Abass Cissé, Project Manager of the Apprenticeship Programme at Trust Africa. “That creates opportunities for families, supports local businesses and contributes to economic development in Guinea.”
Through workforce training and community programmes, the Simandou Training Capability Development Centre is helping equip Guineans with the skills and experience needed for the opportunities ahead. For trainees like Salematou, Kalilou, and Angeline, the programme is an opportunity to build careers, contribute to Guinea’s development and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.