Occupational standards for oil and gas sector launched

The Ministry of Manpower on Tuesday launched the first phase of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the Oil and Gas sector under the auspices of Salim al Aufi, Under-secretary of Ministry of Oil and Gas.

These measures, benchmarked against the best global practices, will be a predetermining factor for Omanis as well as expatriates who want to work in this sector.

For citizens, NOS will be part of the curriculum. They will learn about it through an apprenticeship programme. Expatriates will have to submit proof that they meet all requirements of the NOS standards.

“Expatriates who want to work in the oil and gas sector will be assessed locally to ensure they meet the competency requirements,” Al Aufi told the Observer.

“All Omanis and expatriates who undergo the NOS will be issued with a job certificate.”

“With the NOS certification, they are eligible to work in the particular discipline, including electrical/ mechanical or any discipline,” he said.

“The reason behind NOS is most job-seekers do not meet employers’ requirements. We found there was a need to build up competencies and skills,” said Almur al Hadhrami, Specialist, Occupational Standards, Occupational Standards and Testing Center (OSTC), Ministry of Manpower.

“We conducted a workshop to identify skills, behaviours, attitude and competencies required for the job market, after which we brought the international experiences to have our own NOS, which will set a benchmark in competency for the local workforce,” he added.

After the successful implementation of NOS in the oil and gas sector, more sectors such as logistics and tourism industry will apply same standards, it is learnt. “We are working with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to include requirements in their potential Masters or Bachelors programme,” said Al Aufi.

A pilot programme has been implemented at the Seeb College with 40 to 50 students. The output will be visible in the coming months, he added.