25 Omani youths gain jobs after Ruwad training

As many as 25 young Omanis have been trained and absorbed through the Ruwad national training programme, thanks to the collaborative Omani employment programme of bp Oman in partnership with Oman Energy Association and Haliburton.

Their induction ceremony and graduation were celebrated at an event held under the auspices of Sayyid Munthir al Busaidy, Vice-Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation and Follow-Up Unit, and several high level official dignitaries in attendance.

Ruwad programme is a one-year programme that prepares graduates with skills and competencies needed to gain employment. In Ruwad’s first batch with Halliburton, the first contractor to partner in this initiative, 30 people were trained, out of which 18 were hired by Haliburton and seven found employment through different entities.

Speaking to the media, Yousuf al Ojaili, President of bp Oman, said that over 80 per cent of the total trainees have been hired.

"The Ruwad programme plays a pivotal role in our journey to build a skilled national capability in line with Oman Vision 2040 and our sustainability aims. Ruwad is also an ideal platform to foster effective interactions between stakeholders and candidates. Thanks to our partnership with Halliburton and Oman Energy Association," Al Ojaili said.

"We are proud to be part of this vital programme, catalysing Oman's workforce development. The impact extends beyond graduation day, providing a strong foundation for graduates to embark on their professional journeys with the necessary skills. Haliburton is shaping the workforce of the future, evident in 18 trainees joining us and others in positions across various entities. This initiative benefits both individuals and the industry. We are excited about their contributions to Oman's growing energy sector," said Fahad Intisar, Halliburton Oman Vice President.

"At Oman Energy Association, we recognise the significance of programmes like 'Ruwad' in the broader context of Oman's employment landscape. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for skilled professionals, but also contributes substantially to the overall employment market in Oman. By equipping these graduates with relevant skills, 'Ruwad' is empowering them to take on key roles in various sectors. This not only benefits the graduates themselves but also adds value to the local job market, promoting economic growth,” added Abdulrahman al Yahyaei, Chief Executive Officer at Oman Energy Association.

The first batch of Ruwad, an initiative, aligned with Oman Vision 2040, was launched in October 2022, symbolises bp's dedication to building a skilled and capable national workforce. The company is actively exploring opportunities to expand the programme for upcoming batches, fostering Oman's growth and development.

"I'm excited to have been employed through teh initiative and would love to thank the Ministry of Energy and Minerals for the support, bp Oman, Oman Energy Association and Haliburton. I'd honestly suges all youth to enhance their employability through initiatives like this and find where they belong," a successful candidate said.