OPITO develops training standards for Oman's oil and gas workforce

The global oil and gas training standards body OPITO is working with Oman’s government, the Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL) and employers to improve oil and gas workforce training.

OPITO sets the global oil and gas industry standards for emergency response, industry training and competence. The new training program will ensure the Gulf nation has a skilled and safe oil and gas workforce as well as making a positive contribution on Oman’s economy by creating employment opportunities for Omanis.

The Scotland-based training organization is working on a multistage plan that will provide the Omani government with a sustainable solution to the employment needs of its people, and its growing oil and gas industry.

The first phase is to analyze the current provision of vocational and non-vocational training currently available in Oman. OPITO will visit training centers and universities to assess training standards and then provide recommendations on how to improve them.

“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-recognized qualifications underpinned by technical training standards, occupational standards, a robust assessment process and accredited certification and qualifications,” OPITO CEO David Doig said.

The new OPITO training program will allow hundreds of Omanis train in certified industrial education programs ranging from electrical and mechanical maintenance to instrumentation and controls – important skills for oil and gas industry work.