MUSCAT -- Shell Development Oman (SDO) recently held a signing ceremony at its office in Mina Al Fahal for four new training programmes worth RO 291,250. These programmes are conducted as part of SDO's "Training for Employment" Social Investment initiative and will secure jobs for young unemployed Omanis. Due to begin in December, these programmes will give 80 young Omanis a chance to lead their lives independently and with pride. SDO's "Training for Employment" initiative is aimed at providing young Omanis with the necessary skills to enhance their employment and self-employment potential. As part of this initiative, SDO works closely with the Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) to secure available jobs in the marketplace and then collaborates with prospective employers to train suitable candidates for these jobs. Upon successful completion of their training, trainees are guaranteed employment and competitive salaries in reputable private sector establishments.
Commenting on this ceremony, John Blascos, General Manager and Shell Country Chairman, stated the following: "The signing of these programmes demonstrates our commitment to the creation of job opportunities for young Omanis. By working closely with OPAL and other partners, not only will we be filling important gaps in the job market, but we will be filling them with suitable and well trained candidates who are ready to put their new skills to work." Also commenting on this significance of this event, Irshad al Lawati, CEO of OPAL, expressed his satisfaction. He further emphasised OPAL's determination to continue this joint effort and highlighted the effectiveness of the role played by the oil and gas sector and the other sectors interacting with oil and gas, in contributing to the employment of Omani youth and to Oman's society and economy. The first programme, entitled "Sales and Marketing Skills," is designed to train 25 secondary school graduates suffering from hereditary blood disorders. This 6 month programme aims to provide practical guidance to those new to sales and marketing.
The second programme, entitled "Welding" is designed to train 15 individuals who come from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. This 6 month programme provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary in any welding and fabrication job. The third programme, entitled "Metal Structure Making," is designed to train 15 individuals, all of who come from different social-economic and education backgrounds. This 6 month programme will teach participants skills such as how to perform fabrication works, perform track welding, perform visual inspections and understand calculations.The fourth programme, entitled "Mechanical Maintenance," is designed to train 25 individuals who also come from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. This 9 month programme aims teach those new to engineering about health and safety at work, how to deal effectively with colleagues, and how to interpret and apply engineering drawings and charts.
© Oman Daily Observer 2013
