The Fundación Hermanos Rocca and Tecpetrol have donated a drilling, workover, and well control simulator to the UTN-FRN Technological College in Cutral Có, in the province of Neuquén. It’s the first time that this kind of equipment is being acquired by a secondary technical school to provide training through simulation for the oil and gas industries.

The equipment presentation ceremony was presided by Pablo Liscovsky, Dean of the UTN-FRN (National Technological University, Neuquén Regional Faculty), who was flanked by Ailen Vázquez, Secretary of University Outreach; Daniel Flores, Director of the UTN-FRN Technological College; and Fabiana Calderón, Vice Principal of the institution. Members of Tecpetrol’s Community Relations (CORE) team were also present for the event.

The Patagonian1 Ult simulator uses virtual reality to deliver hands-on technical training by reproducing drilling, workover, and well control operations. It includes features such as surface drilling simulation and real-time interaction between instructors and students, as well as tracking their performance during practice sessions.

The equipment was donated through the Roberto Rocca Technical Gene program and supplied by Well Control Consulting & Services, a local company certified by the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) that specializes in training personnel for the oil and gas sector.

"This donation is a big step forward in terms of how we train our future technicians with hands-on experience. It’s more than just a win for the UTN-FRN Technological College as technical schools from all over the province will get to benefit,” explained Pablo Liscovsky, Dean of the UTN-FRN.

The Patagonian1 Ult simulates operational processes with a particular emphasis on safety procedures. "These kinds of simulation give students a chance to practice drilling operations and well control in a safe, realistic setting. The goal is to strengthen technical education and help shape the professionals of tomorrow," explained Andrea Fernández, CORE Manager for the Neuquén Basin.

The impact of this initiative goes beyond virtual reality, as it’s a concrete commitment to education, equal opportunities, and regional growth. The challenge is to ensure that this model becomes an effective springboard for other institutions seeking to access innovative tools and transform their teaching and learning methods.

“We’re delighted to be able to provide this type of equipment to schools keen to share knowledge with the community,” added Andrea, pointing out that, “At the Techint Group, our Roberto Rocca Technical School Network is built on that same spirit, sharing expertise and learning across fields. In fact, the university’s management team recently visited the Roberto Rocca Technical School in Campana to explore new ways of working together, making this a two-way street. That kind of exchange is what makes this experience so valuable.”