OPAL, ICEM ink deal to support training of Omanis

Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL), the umbrella organisation representing the nation’s oil and gas sector, and the International College of Engineering and Management (ICEM), a Muscat-based higher learning institution, have agreed to work together to help develop the skill-sets of Omanis through vocational training and advisory services support.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised to this end at a ceremony held at Public Authority for Civil Aviation last week. Musallam al Mandhri, CEO — OPAL, and Affan al Akhzami, Managing Director & Chief Executive — ICEM, signed the document on behalf of their respective organisations.

In particular, the MoU will support the training of young Omanis as firefighters at ICEM’s facilities with funding support secured by OPAL. Candidates for firefighter training will receive a minimum of six months training leading to accredited qualifications.

The pact was the latest in a succession of agreements inked by OPAL with local and international institutions in recent months with the aim of advancing, among other objectives, the technical and vocational training development of young Omanis, introducing standards in academic curricula and training methodologies, and benchmarking locally issued certifications against internationally approved qualifications.

Both sides have also agreed to join forces in exploring mutually beneficial opportunities that would leverage, on the one hand, the higher learning and vocational training capabilities of ICEM, and on the other, OPAL’s expertise services.

Commenting on the MoU signing, Musallam al Mandhri, CEO of OPAL, said: “We are delighted to partner with ICEM, a reputable provider of vocational training services, most notably in the field of firefighting, in preparing young Omanis for promising careers within the oil and gas sector, and beyond as well.

This MoU gives both sides the opportunity to harness our mutual capabilities in the service of Omanisation, training, and skills development.” in the field of advisory