Manpower issues were a key point raised by Rusayl Industrial Estate businessmen when they met with H E Ali al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, to discuss 'unlocking the potential' of Oman's industrial estates - with training institutes and part-time jobs highlighted as possible solutions.
Although the discussions, held at the Rusayl Industrial Estate's administration offices, were purely of a 'brainstorming' nature, the issue of training and employment of young Omanis was raised as both private and public sectors seek to maximise opportunities they have in the country's industrial estates.
In response to suggestions from business owners that the number of Omanis working in factories is low, H E Sunaidy highlighted the high Omanisation rates in the banking and healthcare sectors, suggesting that
vocational training centres that both industries have could be replicated in the manufacturing sector.
He said, "Should we go to the Ministry of Manpower and ask them to give us part of the money they collect to establish an institute in each industrial estate, to be run by the companies themselves, then everyone who is trained will be absorbed. I think this is one way forward."
H E Sunaidy further suggested that if such an institute is set up in Rusayl and is successful, similar institutes could be rolled out across all of Oman's industrial estates.
The minister, however, added that companies need to look at sections of the manufacturing process which can be mechanised and identify jobs 'which can be left behind' in order to be able to train Omanis and pay wages that reflect the cost of living.
He also acknowledged part-time employment as 'one way forward' which could create a 'liquid' workforce for local firms.
© Muscat Daily 2012
