DRIVING COMPETENCIES

TPO will significantly contribute to the area of vocational technical training through its vision to be the leading technical Centre of Excellence, says Glenn Harding, TPO’s General Manager in an interview with Oommen John P

Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO) commenced operations in April this year. However, the journey to create TPO started many years before, resulting from a partnership between Takatuf, the human capital solutions provider, and Petrofac, a world leading oilfield services provider with almost four decades of experience in the development of training and competence programmes and facilities. The importance of providing quality industrial vocational training programmes is vital to supporting Oman’s in-country value (ICV). TPO will significantly contribute to the area of vocational technical training through its vision to be the leading technical Centre of Excellence providing world-class internationally

recognised skills and professional development pathways that will support the growth of Human Capital within the energy sector and beyond. Glenn Harding, TPO’s General Manager, says “TPO’s mission is to train and graduate highly skilled, competent and selfmotivated Technicians and Operators, with strict adherence to Health & Safety practices at all times.” “We apply an innovative approach to fast-track competency development to augment and assure the skills of oil and gas technicians who will go on to support the oil and gas industry,” he adds.

This can only be achieved through TPO’s unique value propositions: TPO’s prime focus is to ensure its graduates’ safety at all times and to provide a learning environment that replicates real oil & gas facilities and working environments. That includes not only the use of training technologies but also the commitment to developing graduates to be valued employees. TPO has been designed to operate just like the facilities graduates will go on to support. TPO’s capacity is 320 graduates per shift and they can run two shifts at a time. This also embeds the working models that graduates will encounter at site. TPO’s training programmes significantly reduce the employment time-to-autonomy.

TPO facilities have been custom built to support the various technologies located within it. Each of the three interactive training areas: foundation, workshops and live-plants, have all been designed to create highly effective experiential learning environments for graduates.

TPO has worked collaboratively with industry in designing its curriculum in order to meet the required standards and outcomes. The institute offers a comprehensive suite of based training programmes that will accelerate the development of skilled and competent technicians, including the upskilling of existing employees. TPO training courses comprise a mix of classroom-based theory, supported by digital curriculum, computer based training and immersive, practical learning, providing graduates with the most true to life training possible.

All the programmes are international accredited by City & Guilds and align with Oman’s new Oil & Gas National Operating Standards, and TPO will be working closely with the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) to ensure their training pathways and qualifications are validated and accredited as part of the new Oman Qualifications Framework criteria. TPO is the first training institute in Oman to provide City and Guilds level 3 diploma qualifications, all delivered within the confines of the training centre.

The team of multinational foundation and technical instructors all have a wealth of experience. The technical team includes industry training professionals with extensive oil & gas experience having worked with some of the world’s largest energy companies.

TPO has made major investments in technology enhanced digital and blended learning platforms that cater to, and keep pace with, the modern styles of learning, providing graduates with an immersive learning experience. This innovative approach to learning is the first of its kind in Oman. The integration