PDO joins hands with Oman Society of Contractors to create job opportunities

Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Oman Society of Contractors (OSC). The agreement is part of PDO’s national objectives programme to create sustainable employment and training opportunities for Omani jobseekers.
It was signed by Raoul Restucci, PDO managing director, and Shahswar Al Balushi, chief executive officer of Oman Society of Contractors. Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both parties will cooperate to promote Omanisation through training and direct employment in the construction sector.
PDO’s national objective programme, which aims to create 7,000 job opportunities in the private sector for young Omanis each year through to 2020, will work with OSC to identify the areas for collaboration and exchange experiences.
PDO will also work with its contractor Apex E-Commerce to support OSC in training and employment through the ‘Mujeed’ initiative which matches qualified and experienced jobseekers with both public and private sector vacancies free of charge.
“PDO is committed to providing jobs and training opportunities for young Omanis across a broad range of trades and skills that will benefit the individuals and their families as well as generating sustainable long-term economic benefits for the Sultanate. This is a further example of our commitment in action and we look forward to working with the OSC to deliver this important programme for the construction industry,” said Restucci.
Al Balushi stated that the MoU is a live demonstration of cross-sector collaboration as well as client contractor partnership.
“A competent and skillful local workforce is a great asset for everyone. We will be working with PDO to identify the appropriate development of young Omanis in fields that suit their career aspirations and sector requirements,” he noted.
“This is a continuous national objective that requires our dedication and commitment. The best way to address the present challenges is to build appropriate capacity and a talent pool that is committed and productive. The private sector needs to be proactive and should join forces to resolve their challenges,” the official added.
Since 2011, PDO’s national objectives programme has generated more than 20,000 job and training opportunities with its contractors for Omanis in the oil and gas industry as well as construction focusing on areas such as civil, mechanical and electrical engineering trades. This has been achieved working closely alongside partners including the Ministry of Manpower, PDO contractors, and local training institutes.