Shell Development Oman Invests More Than OMR 300,000 to Train 96 Omanis for Employment

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 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.

In 2012, SDO enabled more than 130 young Omanis to secure jobs through this effective scheme. Young Omanis were trained in various areas such as rigging training, metal structure installation, automobile mechanics, and auto cad training.

This signing ceremony celebrates five new programmes that will be introduced in 2013. These programmes, running for six months each, will secure jobs for 96 young Omanis. These jobs will give young unemployed people a chance to lead their lives independently and with pride.

The first programme, entitled the “Cashier Training Programme,” is designed to train 30 secondary school graduates (10% of the seats have been reserved for those with disabilities). This course aims to develop the skills and knowledge required to perform the job role of a cashier. It offers an integrated approach and teaches skills such as product knowledge, the role of a cashier, the use of computers, and work place behavior.

The second programme, entitled the “Machine Operator Programme,” is designed to train 16 secondary school graduates. This programme provides the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in being a machine operator. It covers topics such as dealing with health and safety at work and communicating in English in an engineering environment.

The third programme, entitled the “Safety Officer Training Programme,” is designed to train 22 secondary school graduates. This programme aims to help trainees develop the skills and knowledge required to successfully perform the job of a safety officer. It covers various topics such as the application of safety principles, first aid, safe driving and how to prepare a safety report.

The fourth programme, entitled the “Non-Destructive Testing Training Programme,” is designed to train 15 secondary school graduates. This programme will teach trainees about engineering materials, how to operate manual welding machines, and a wide range of non-destructive testing techniques such as visual tests, the ultrasonic test and the radiography test.

The fifth new programme, entitled the “Accountancy Skills Training Programme,” is designed to train 13 secondary school graduates. This programme will teach trainees about basic accounting, preparing financial statements, and how to manage company accounts.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Manpower, all of the above programmes will be funded by SDO and conducted under the direct supervision of Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL).

Commenting on this ceremony, John Blascos, General Manager and Shell Country Chairman, stated the following: “The signing of these programmes signifies Shell’s commitment to the creation of opportunities for young Omanis to create a meaningful living for themselves and their families. 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 enter the job market and put their new skills to work.”

Also commenting on this ceremony, Mohamed Al-Harthy, CEO of OPAL, stated the following “We are grateful to Shell’s continuous participation in building national capabilities. Funding these programs means providing students with an opportunity to empower themselves, create their future and participate in the national prosperity. It goes without saying that it is important for the young Omanis to have jobs but it is imperative that candidates are productive once they are on the job.

The key to build the required national resources capabilities and productive workforce is funding training for employment programs especially in technical disciplines which are critically needed by the industry. Shell has demonstrated excellent corporate responsibility through its commitment in these initiatives.”