Young Omanis leverage opportunities and rewards of a career in water sector
MUSCAT: BP Oman is playing a major role in helping build capability in Oman’s water desalination industry, thanks to supporting a training initiative called Tahlya being run by the Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC) as part of BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme.
Omani graduates from this programme have taken up positions in Oman’s growing water industry, including over 20 who have joined BP contractor, Veolia, to help run its Raw Water Treatment Plant at BP’s Khazzan gas field. This recruitment initiative has enabled Veolia to hit its 80% Omanisation mandate within 6 months from contract commencement date (March 1, 2019).
The Tahlya programme is giving young Omani nationals the wings to soar and is nurturing a generation of talented young professionals to pursue their careers in an essential industry.
In a freewheeling group discussion, young Omani graduates share their experiences and aspirations alongside the management teams at Veolia and BP on the success of the programme, commitment to ICV and the plans for the future.
Young Omani engineers Marwa Al Riyami and Bader Al Abri made a choice to build their careers in the water industry for compelling reasons. They are employed at Veolia in the health & safety, operation and maintenance departments. They are working in the Reverse Osmosis Raw water treatment plant of BP Khazzan.
They are driven by the opportunities that open up in a dynamic environment, are continuously inspired to meet and overcome challenges, and have a passion for success and career growth gained through international exposure, knowledge sharing and experience.
As proud achievers at Tahlya, Marwa and Bader recounted their journeys and shared insights into what inspires them, their dreams, aspirations and their pride in Oman. Why the water sector?
Marwa Al Riyami: Water is an essential industry sector that forms the very basis for most industries to build on. It is a critical and challenging industry, employs the best of technology and is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. It is exciting to be part of this industry and to have an opportunity to contribute to something big and make a difference.
Bader Al Abri: The water industry is future-oriented. The sector today is brimming with opportunities, more than ever, and is faced with global challenges that call for innovation and sustainability. These factors motivated me to choose a career in the water sector.
How is your experience with BP’s Tahlya training programme and working with Veolia?
Marwa Al Riyami: Tahlya offered me the opportunity to learn from experts with a global outlook. Besides, it also encouraged me to have an open mind, respect multiple perspectives, and celebrate inclusiveness. It’s a great place to learn in a friendly atmosphere, yet one that pushes you to do more. I have really much appreciated the Induction program I have received on process and safety when joining Veolia’s team and I am now involved in the training of newcomers.
Bader Al Abri: Mobility is a key factor that only an organization like Veolia can provide. With mobility, we can gain knowledge, experience and learn from all our Veolia colleagues around the world. Being Veolia’s people, what we called “Resourcers”, also means seeing the world from other perspectives, which can make our daily challenges look a lot less intense.
How do you see Oman evolve? What contributions will young Omanis make towards continuing Oman’s success?
Marwa Al Riyami: My ambition for Oman is for our youth to continue on the path paved by the vision of His Majesty the Sultan and invest in themselves and contribute to their organisation, community and the country. My colleagues and I are very optimistic about the future. As a woman, I am also really proud to pave the way for women wanting to start a career in the engineering field.
Bader Al Abri: Oman has a unique advantage, thanks to its geographic location. This auger well for growth across diverse industry segments, and the overall economy. The country has been making giant strides in industrialization and we can see the results of these efforts, from the growth in tourism to the development of the free zones in Duqm. However, there is still room for improvement in the outlook of the young workforce and work culture. Programmes such as Tahlya are positive steps towards leveraging the opportunities.
Scarcity of water is, of course, a pressing issue in the Middle East and to meet the challenge in Oman, a number of desalination plants are due for construction across the country by 2020. This expansion in capacity will require intensive capability building – hence, the creation of the Tahlya programme, which aims to attract some of the brightest Omanis to train and take on key positions in the industry.
Currently, in its third successful year, the Tahlya programme in it’s the first 2 years seen the graduation of 133 trainees, with thousands of Omanis having applied to take part.