Training young Omanis for jobs in water sector
The TAHLYA initiative is being partnered with British Petroleum Oman, as part of their Social Investment Programme
Times News Service
MUSCAT: The Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC) announced that they want to equip young Omanis with necessary skills so that they can get jobs in the water sector.
To provide opportunities to more young Omanis, MEDRC launched the second edition of their vocational training programme, TAHLYA, on Monday.
The initiative is being partnered with British Petroleum (BP) Oman, as part of their Social Investment Programme.
“The TAHLYA project is about empowering young Omanis and building a national workforce that can lead the future growth and development of Oman’s water sector.
“Working alongside our partner, BP Oman, I am proud to say that we are making significant progress in meeting these objectives,” Director of MEDRC Water Research Ciarán Ó Cuinn said.
The event witnessed the graduation of Supervisor Trainees, who completed their course in October 2017, as well. To date, 17 of 21 supervisors have secured full time employment in the field under the programme.
MEDRC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bauer Resources, who are looking to recruit six TAHLYA trainees.
“The programme’s outcome has effectively provided a number of young Omanis with skills and expertise necessary to boost their chances in the job market, ultimately developing the country’s economy by working in new industries.
“The success of TAHLYA reinforces our determination to invest in the sustainable development of a competent national workforce,” said Shamsa Al Rawahi, BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme Officer.
In February, the training facility welcomed 37 young Omanis to the new edition of TAHLYA. The programme is split into two distinct levels, operators and supervisors’ training.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree were eligible to be selected for the Supervisor course, while a diploma was a prerequisite for the operators course.
The group of 37 trainees includes 15 students training to be operators and 22 training to be supervisors.
The TAHLYA curriculum is delivered using a three-tiered developmental approach. Students will receive classroom training on the theory of desalination; practical training at MEDRC’s own pilot training plant, and an Observational Internship at a desalination plant. “The programme is aimed at creating skilled and employable labour in desalination within Oman. The desalination industry is rapidly expanding and needs talented Omanis to drive it forward.
“This, in turn, will enhance the Omanisation efforts of the country and further leverage this evolving industry,” Riadh Dridi, Head of Training at MEDRC Water Research, said. MEDRC Water Research operates a training facility at their headquarters in Al Hail. The event was held under the patronage of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Dr Muna bint Salim Al Jardania, Undersecretary for Technical Education and Vocational Training, Ministry of Manpower and Mohamed Yousuf Al Zarafi, Undersecretary for Administration and Financial Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP Oman’s President and other senior officials from the public and private sector.