Shell Supports investment in Regional Human capital

Woodcraft pointed out that corporate social investment should focus not only on the local community benefits but also on areas that can help bridge the gap between academic output and industry needs citing R&D initiatives such as the Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre and the Shell Oman Technology Centre. “Both of these provide research and development opportunities for Arab scientists and are also integrated into the needs of the business – this creates a long-term sustainable partnership,” she said.

The ‘Skills to meet public and private sector requirements panel’ discussion was led and moderated by George Saab, Chief Human Capital Officer for TECOM and comprised industry and academic experts from across the region.

Basil Bu Ali, Strategy and Change Manager at Shell, speaking on the Energy panel argued that attraction and recruitment (A&R) in a competitive energy economy needs to be focused around the employee value proposition and that for energy companies, a main aspect of this is clearly through the transfer of knowledge and technology. “We have an active programme of A&R in the region and are very keen to encourage young Arab scientists and engineers to join the organization and gain access to and contribute to global best practice in this field while also helping us understand local market conditions and sensitivities,” he said. “Shell recognises the benefit of providing opportunities for local talent and has undertaken research which shows us that there is a growing sense of national pride in many markets and that people are looking for ways to return to or remain in their home countries and make a positive contribution,” he added.

Leila Al Marashi a UAE young professional on the Shell Graduate Scheme also participated in the same panel discussions and gave examples of the challenges that she faced as a young Emirati seeking professional employment in an international arena.

Shell believes that diversity and inclusion can help create a workforce that mirrors the communities in which Shell operates. This helps the company to better understand and build relationships within the communities thereby optimizing the positive economic and social impact of Shell’s presence. Shell is committed to developing local talent and to developing its business in markets over the long-term in a mutually beneficial way.

SkillsInvest is a yearly event for the top 150 influencers in education and HR throughout the Arab world. Its mission is to drive growth through education by creating an ongoing dialogue between businesses and learning institutions at a grassroots level. The one-day event aimed to identify what was necessary to meet the needs of tomorrow and to develop innovative initiatives across the regions fastest growing sectors.
Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies. Shell is active in more than 100 countries and territories and employs around 102,000 people worldwide. Shell’s role is to ensure that oil and gas are extracted and delivered profitable and in environmentally and socially responsible ways. Shell’s strategy and priorities for the future are “more upstream and profitable downstream.” They focus on delivery and growth, leveraging their strong portfolio. Shell’s core values; honesty, integrity and respect have formed the basis of their General Business Principles for 30 years and remain as important as ever.