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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Lack of manpower hits Omanisation

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By Kabeer Yousuf — MUSCAT: March 1 - Lack of competent and experienced local manpower is a big challenge in the Omanisation drive, Salim al Aufi, Under-Secretary at Ministry of Oil and Gas, has said. “Omanisation can be carried out wherever there is a right candidate for the right job,” said Al Aufi at the graduation ceremony of 56 youngsters from Special Technical Services (STC). “We will not Omanise a position just for the sake of it. Whenever there is a right person for the right job, we will Omanise that job,” he added. Although there are ample opportunities in the construction and service sectors, there are fewer takers, he said.


“Competency and development are important factors in Omanisation and lack of skilled manpower is a big challenge.” According to him, there are several openings in the construction and service sectors, and that the “local manpower should enter these sectors”. “We are trying our best to train the Omani manpower to fit them in construction and other sectors. Along with the National Training Fund, we are working on the In Country Value (ICV) umbrella as well on the development of Omanis in the last few years. PDO too is investing heavily and carrying out national training programmes for the local youth,” he added.


Al Aufi said the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower is still there. “It will continue for some time.” “Industry, tourism logistics, mining and other sectors still need skilled manpower and all our programmes focus on skills development and grooming youngsters,” he said. On the retail prices that came into effect on March 1, Al Aufi said they are dependent on the market conditions. Whenever the market goes down, prices will shoot and vice-versa. “The philosophy is to follow the market.” STS introduced Omani Graduate Development Programme for those recruited in the company as fresh graduates. This year, it offered training in disciplines such as civil, mechanical, maintenance, procurement, instrument, quantity surveyor and quality survey for engineers and supervisors. “This on-job training aims to assess the performance of each person with guidance and supported by an experienced mentor,” said Ali Mubarak al Shukri, ICV Manager.


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