37 Omanis currently undergoing 10-month training at Saham Vocational Institute

Each of the 37 trainees to be employed by GAC at the end of training program

Muscat, January 19, 2015

The senior management at General Automotive Company (GAC), the official distributors of Mitsubishi in Oman, recently visited the Saham Vocational Training Centre to meet and interact with the 37 young Omanis currently undergoing a 10-month training program. On completion, each of the trainees will take their place as permanent GAC employees.

The delegation from GAC included Salam Al Kindi, the National HR Manager Yassir Zerik National Service Manager, Alistar Cook, the National Parts Manager, and. The visit commenced with the delegation receiving a comprehensive tour of the facility and a one-on-one meeting with each of the trainees. This was followed by a speech from Salam Al Kindi and concluded with a presentation from a senior representative from the Saham VTC.

Commenting on the importance of the visit, Salam Al Kindi said, "At GAC we place the employment and training of Omani Nationals at the very core of our human resources program; a policy which is in line with the national objective of offering sustainable employment opportunities for young Omanis. As such, we are proud to have one of the highest Omanisation rates within the sector. Once these promising young Omanis have completed their ten-month course we will be able to add 37 more skilled nationals, not just to the GAC family, but to the automotive sector of the country as a whole."

 "I was desperate to find an internship in mechanics, and thanks to this initiative I finally got the opportunity. I would like to thank all those involved in this initiative and I hope to soon take my place as a part of the great team at GAC," said Mohammed Ali Al Hamdi, expressing his gratitude to GAC. "As interns we all face obstacles at the beginning but overcome them with confidence and hard work. As with many people my age, I was looking for an opportunity to prove myself but never heard back from other companies I contacted. I would like to thank GAC for finally giving the chance and I will not let them down," added another trainee, Boushra Tnaf Al Mhrzi.

The GAC training initiative was part of a recently signed agreement with the Ministry of Manpower to train and recruit 37 young Omanis throughout the company's branch network. In accordance with the agreement the selected 37 Omanis are currently undergoing ten months of comprehensive training. The training encompasses detailed programs for every job allocation including auto parts, sales, auto technicians, auto electrician and auto body repair. In addition, GAC is also paying each trainee a monthly allowance for the duration of the training, after which each of them will be employed as full-time staff throughout the company's branch network. Once fully employed, each of these future employees will also benefit from the training programs that GAC regularly conducts for its staff; helping them further develop their skills and knowledge of the automotive sector.

"I really enjoy the courses and the way instructors deliver the lessons. We have gained a lot of experience and knowledge. Although I have had other opportunities offered to me, I believe I made the right choice by choosing a company as well known as GAC," said Abdul Aziz Rashid Al Shahuh. "The course is great and instructors are very experienced. I can't wait to be a part of such a great and cooperative team. I believe there are so many things I can yet learn and ideas that I can contribute to at GAC," added Qabas Mubarak Al Siyabi.

To find out more about GAC or Mitsubishi, or to book a test drive, customers can visit their local Mitsubishi showroom, go online to www.mitsubishioman.com or follow the brand on its 'Mitsubishi Oman' facebook page or twitter @mitsubishioman.

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© Press Release 2015