DOHA - As Qatar edges closer to a knowledge-based economy, areas like interpersonal and business skills are not being ignored. In fact, in this day and age, these abilities are a necessity with technology being more of an enabler than anything else.
In order to hone the skills of employees in ministries and government departments, ictQATAR along with Oracle (Middle East) yesterday started its first workshop to develop these skill sets. For the purpose, the Knowledge Transfer Centre (KTC) has been set up here which is being maintained by IT major Oracle and operated by EMEA Enterprise Solutions for a three-year period.
Jerry Seager, EMEA Chief Operations Officer, told The Peninsula yesterday: "The courses are not simply training, but more support and guidance. In fact, those attending do now want to be called students but delegates. I am not just a teacher but am learning from them as well."
Seager said: "This is one of our first workshops which will show effective communications using Oracle. We work with individuals, look at the skills within roles and find out where they want to go with the skills. And we supplement those with soft skills." EMEA Education Centre Manager Randa H El Ramli leading a class. (SHAIVAL DALAL)
It has been mainly on the initiative of ictQATAR Secretary-General Dr Hessa Al Jaber such a workshop is taking place. "Technology is great but it is an enabler. People need to ask why one needs technology and how it can assist. We are not just sharing knowledge but creating a forum," said Seager.
It is not enough these days to simply have a university degree or certificate. In an era of globalisation where international partners may be involved, teamwork is a vital ingredient in any office or department as are things like dealing with the media. Seager said: "A lot of people have certificates and degrees.
But qualifications in themselves don't necessarily mean you could be a successful contributor to a team if you have no interpersonal skills."
The KTC is essentially a space where people can shoot out and exchange ideas. "We have registered 100 people so far," said Seager. The courses last for three to six months and enable access to Oracle learning for a one-year period.
Those attending include delegates from Q-Post, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior and Qatar Foundation, among others.
© The Peninsula 2008
