Petrobras has spent millions of dollars investing in training and development infrastructure in the Itaborai region of Brazil as it looks to bring Comperj on stream.

Speaking to ICIS, Jorge Buhler-Vidal, the director of US-based Polyolefins Consulting, explained that the $8.4 billion Comperj refinery project is the linchpin of the country's long-term strategy for development of its energy assets.

The plant will be able to process 150,000 barrels of crude per day, with completion expected in 2012.

Buhler-Vidal commented: "This is supposed to provide many jobs and Petrobras has already started training the local population as electricians and welders, to participate in the construction phase. The plan is to then absorb them into plant operations."

Construction work on the project began in March 2008, when Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Itaborai. The earthwork phase alone was expected to create around 2,000 direct jobs.

Global Education and Training event for Oil and Gas: Refining and Petrochemicals