Maersk Training is collaborating with Saudi Electric Services Polytechnic to create a technical training programme that will train a workforce of more than 3,000 trainees in the coming years to upskill them to enter into the wind renewable industry.
 
The collaboration will include the creation of several long-term training modules as per industry needs: ranging from 6 to 18 months, and running over the next six years.
 
The agreement for the Kingdom’s first-of-its-kind workforce development programme was signed between Vijay Rangachari, Regional Managing Director, Eastern Hemisphere, Maersk Training and Dr Khalid Al Somaili Managing Director, Saudi Electric Services Polytechnic, at the Danish Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
 
Saudi Arabia has launched a strategic initiative called ‘The National Renewable Energy Program’ (NREP) as a part of Vision 2030 which aims to increase the Kingdom’s share of renewable energy production, achieve a balance in the mix of local energy sources, and fulfil the Kingdom’s obligations towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
 
Through the programme, the Ministry of Energy in Saudi Arabia is working to diversify the national energy mix used in electricity production, increasing the share of natural gas and renewable energy sources to approximately 50 per cent by 2030 while reducing the use of liquid fuel. 
 
Eventually, the Kingdom will need to upskill the workforce of the future.
 
Maersk Training has extensive expertise in training organisations, crew and individuals in the oil and gas, maritime and wind industry and building competencies.
 
According to Al Somaili: “SESP is pleased to sign this agreement, which presents an opportunity for Maersk Training and SESP to jointly support the renewable energy industry in the Kingdom along with supporting the workforce capability development in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
 
David Skov, CEO of Maersk Training said: “A P Moller – Maersk lays great importance in decarbonisation as a part of its sustainability strategy and we are happy to contribute in developing a workforce that will enable reduction of emissions from other sectors too.”
 
On his part, Rangachari, said: “At Maersk Training, our focus has been on enhancing safety and driving performance through capability and competency building. We are delighted to collaborate with SESP and play a role in developing the building blocks of Saudi Arabia’s diversified energy mix of tomorrow.” –Tradearabia News Service