OPITO secures training development contract

Global oil and gas training standards body, OPITO International, has secured a contract with Oman’s Ministry of Oil and Gas. Under the contract, the company will work with the Omani government, the Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) and oil and gas companies, to improve the delivery of training. This deal will have a positive impact on Oman’s economy by creating more employment opportunities for Omanis and ensuring that the country has a skilled and safe oil and gas workforce.

A phased plan solution

OPITO will provide the Omani government with a phased plan as a solution to the country’s employment needs and to the demands of its growing oil and gas industry.

The first phase includes an analysis of the current provision of training throughout Oman. OPITO will visit training centres and colleges to identify the current standard of training to then provide recommendations on how it can be improved. Ultimately, OPITO will deliver a framework of qualifications which will meet current and future skills demands and improve competence in the operations and maintenance activities associated with the extraction of hydrocarbons.

OPAL is assisting by uniting employers to ensure that the learning infrastructure proposed by OPITO meets their needs.

Contract outcomes

Hundreds of citizens will be able to be trained in electrical and mechanical maintenance, and instrumentation and controls. This will, therefore, allow Omanis to work in the oil and gas industry and the work should have a positive impact on both the country’s the oil and gas industry, and wider economy.

As a non-profit organisation that is owned by the industry, OPITO will reinvest the revenues generated by this contract in the continuous development of educational products and services for the benefit of Oman and the wider industry.

Delivering industry-designed and industry-recognised qualifications in Oman

David Doig, OPITO’s Group Chief Executive, said: “By working with the government and employers, we will help the government in Oman develop a learning infrastructure in-country which will be able to deliver industry-designed and industry-recognised qualifications underpinned by technical training standards, occupational standards, a robust assessment process and accredited certification and qualifications.”

Khalid Ghalib Al-Hinai, HR Advisor to the Minister of Oil and Gas and Chairman of the In-Country Values HR Committee, added: “Our aim is to increase the competency levels and productivity of the local workforce coming into the industry by aligning existing vocational and technical training with industry requirements and accrediting it to international standards.”

Adapted from press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/hse/23072015/opito-secures-training-development-contract/