MEDRC launches BP-backed desalination training programme

Business Reporter - MUSCAT, FEB 6 - MEDRC Water Research, the Muscat-based regional hub for training and research in water desalination, officially launched the Tahlya Training Programme for fresh Omani graduates at its Al Hail premises yesterday. Developed to meet the growing needs of the water desalination industry, Tahlya aims to train 60 Omani nationals in reverse osmosis desalination to the level of operators and supervisors. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was attended by Yousuf al Ojaili, BP Oman President, and Ciarán O Cuinn, Centre Director of MEDRC, among other government dignitaries. “The aim of Tahlya training programme is to enable young Omanis with the skills to be supervisors and operators to meet the progressive developments of Oman’s water desalination industry. Investing in such initiatives supports the development of a competent national workforce to pilot evolving industries as a future contributor to the national economy,” Eng Yousuf al Ojaili, BP Oman President stated. The event not only marked the start of the Tahlya training programme but also intended to spread awareness on the scale of developments that Oman’s water desalination industry is about to undergo. MEDRC’s detailed assessment on skills required for this industry indicated that Oman witnesses an increasing demand for Omani operators and supervisors to run the plants. Working towards 10 operational plants by 2020, the industry is set to deliver a new realm of domestic operation and employment opportunities for the local job market. “MEDRC is proud to partner with BP Oman in delivering this unique initiative. Water is a strategic issue in Oman and therefore, we believe that the water sector at every level can be led, managed and operated by Omani nationals. Working with BP Oman; we are taking an important step towards that goal. TAHLYA Training Programme will provide the necessary training to ensure that a highly-skilled team of Omani desalination plant supervisors and operators are ready to run Oman’s desalination plants,” said Ciarán O Cuinn, Centre Director of MEDRC. The participants went through a vigorous selection process. Out of the total 4500 applications received, 400 candidates sat for an aptitude test and 100 proceeded to the interview round. The selection committee for these processes comprised of experts from the desalination industry as well as individuals from BP Oman. Lastly, 60 Omanis were selected to attend the Tahlya training programme.