OPAL champions comprehensive training and employment programmes, fostering a skilled Omani workforce for a sustainable energy future and driving national economic growth

The Sultanate of Oman is steadfast in its commitment to building a highly skilled and nationally empowered workforce within its vital energy and minerals sectors.

At the forefront of this transformative endeavour is the Oman Energy Association (OPAL), a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that has consistently served as the industry’s voice and a catalyst for national development.

Since its inception, OPAL has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing comprehensive training and employment programmes, directly contributing to the nation’s Omanisation strategy and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of local talent to meet the evolving demands of a world-class energy industry.

Through strategic partnerships, targeted initiatives, and a relentless focus on capability building, OPAL is not merely filling jobs but is actively cultivating a generation of Omani professionals poised to lead the future of energy.

NURTURING SKILLS AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

OPAL’s multifaceted approach to human capital development is built on a foundation of addressing the specific needs of the energy sector while empowering Omani citizens with the competencies required for sustainable careers.

The association offers a spectrum of training schemes, including ‘Training for Employment’ (TFE) and ‘Training for Development’, alongside internship programmes, e-learning initiatives, and robust skill certification processes.

The TFE programmes, in particular, are dedicated schemes aimed at promoting and supporting Omanisation by providing school leavers and graduates with essential skills to secure meaningful employment opportunities within the private sector.

OPAL’s offices

Through these, OPAL has facilitated the training and employment of over 10,000 Omanis since its establishment, according to information available on the OPAL USP website.

These programmes are meticulously designed to enhance competence and work ethics, ensuring that employment remains the ultimate objective, with training serving as the crucial enabler.

Beyond entry-level training, OPAL is instrumental in developing and maintaining standards and qualifications across Oman’s oil and gas industry.

This involves close consultation with industry stakeholders to provide training standards for various categories, ensuring that training providers align their courses with recognised benchmarks.

The aim is to create a unified skills system driven by employer demand, as overseen by the Energy and Minerals Sector Skills Unit (EMSSU), supported by OPAL.

This structured approach guarantees that Omani professionals receive comprehensive, industry-recognised training, enabling them to transfer their skills seamlessly between employers and meet global standards.

OPAL’s partnership with RTITB, a leading workplace transport training accrediting body, has been crucial in updating national occupational standards for lifting equipment and defensive driving, ensuring operators meet both local and international qualifications.

This commitment to rigorous standards not only enhances safety but also elevates the professional standing of Omani workers.

Recent initiatives underscore OPAL’s ongoing commitment to this critical mandate. The launch of the Electrical Technician Programme, in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Occidental Oman (OXY), and others, exemplifies a practical approach to talent development.

This programme supports Omani diploma holders with 18 months of intensive technical training, directly leading to employment.

Similarly, a significant cooperation agreement with OQ Exploration and Production saw the launch of ‘TAMAYUZ - Training for Development’, a programme designed to train and qualify 430 Omani graduates across various technical and non-technical fields.

These initiatives reflect OPAL’s responsive strategy to industry requirements, ensuring that the Omani workforce is not only prepared for current demands but also for future shifts within the energy landscape, including renewable energy and green hydrogen.

DRIVING NATIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INCLUSION

OPAL’s role extends beyond individual skill development to encompass broader national objectives, particularly In-Country Value (ICV) creation and the overall strengthening of Oman’s economy.

By promoting local content, OPAL fosters a thriving ecosystem where Omani businesses and individuals contribute significantly to the energy sector’s supply chain and operations.

This involves facilitating capability development for the Omani workforce at all levels and supporting the growth of Omani small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

A notable collaboration with Sharakah, Oman’s leading SME development firm, aims to foster entrepreneurship and enhance the promotion of Omani SMEs within specific fields.

This partnership is expected to create further jobs and stimulate the national economy by providing smart funding solutions and developing programmes that address strategic areas such as ICV, waste management, decarbonisation, and energy transition.

Furthermore, OPAL actively engages with governmental bodies and industry leaders to align strategies and advocate for policies that enhance Omanisation rates.

Discussions within platforms like the Shura Council’s Youth and Human Resources Committee frequently highlight OPAL’s contributions to the national Omanisation strategy.

The association plays a key role in identifying employment opportunities and coordinating efforts with relevant ministries, higher education institutions, and specialised training institutes to ensure academic outputs align with the job market’s needs.

The PetroJobs platform, a comprehensive database of available jobs in the sector, and the Tawteen platform, designed to enhance citizen employment, are examples of national initiatives that OPAL supports in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

This collaborative ecosystem ensures that job seekers are connected with opportunities and that the industry benefits from a skilled local workforce.

OPAL’s commitment to inclusion is also evident in its initiatives to empower underrepresented groups within the energy sector.

The launch of the ‘You Are the Energy Award’ in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is a testament to this focus, honouring the innovations and achievements of Omani women in the industry, particularly in advancing sustainability and clean energy initiatives.

This award not only recognises their valuable contributions but also encourages more women to pursue careers in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

With approximately 3,000 Omani women already employed in various capacities, including leadership roles, OPAL’s efforts are actively breaking down barriers and fostering a more diverse and equitable workforce.

The association’s broader aim to achieve high aspirations and encourage best practices in Human Capital Development, coupled with a target to facilitate the employment of between 700 to 1,000 Omanis every year, solidifies its position as a central pillar in Oman’s drive for national human resource excellence and economic prosperity.

By Abdulaziz Khattak