OPAL, TRACEZ launch enhancement training for Omani engineers
Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) and TRACEZ Training Services Oman have signed an MoU to deliver the Employability Enhancement Programme (EEP), an internationally accredited training programme for newly graduated engineers in Oman.
The EEP, designed and developed by TRACEZ and OPAL, will enhance the employability of engineers and help them find employment with various establishments in Oman. EEP is an exclusive programme for engineers that helps bridge the knowledge and skill gaps of engineering graduates in line with employer expectations. EEP transforms an engineering degree holder to a real engineer who can deliver more at work.
Musallam al Mandhari, CEO of OPAL, commented: “We are delighted to work with TRACEZ in rolling out this far-reaching initiative to help our Omani engineering and technical professionals close any skills gap necessary for their employers to perform at the top of their game. This is in line with OPAL’s mandate to support and enhance the professional development of Omanis across all manner of technical disciplines.”
Abdullah al Sinani, HR Executive Manager of OPAL, added: “Engineers of the current generation have very high potential and enthusiasm but unfortunately lack a few essential capabilities. These shortcomings are seen in, among other areas, engineering applications in industry, effective communication, basics of safety & health practices in industries, industrial culture, and basic skills to organise, manage time and work in teams. These skills are a prerequisite for engineers before taking up employment with any organisation. The EEP initiative will improve the employability of our Omani engineers and help industries to recruit and deploy them from the get go.”
Added Subramanian, Director of Tracez Training Services, “The EEP is the first comprehensive training programme in Oman, delivering advanced engineering, basic HSE practices and essential soft skills training for enhancing the basic capabilities of graduate engineers. The basic foundation received as part of EEP will also help the candidates develop their professional growth with the support of the employers. EEP is designed to focus on the deliverables of an engineer corresponding to the requirements of the labour market in Oman. More focus is given to the development of ‘must have’ capabilities rather than the ‘nice to have’ skills. The overall capability and confidence level of young engineers developed via EEP will be appreciated by employers and also contribute to the improvement of Omanisation.”
The duration of the EEP is three months, which includes two months’ classroom study and one month fieldbased training. Advanced engineering modules delivered as part of EEP are tailored to the candidate’s engineering discipline and completely focus on the practical applications of engineering. EEP also provides opportunities for young engineers to interact and learn from highly experienced professionals from various industries and disciplines.