New Omani graduates gear up for work

Muscat: The first batch of trainees have graduated from TAHLYA on Sunday, which is a program to equip Omani graduates to work in the desalination industry in Oman.

The group of 18 trainees were all young Omani job seekers, and through the program have gained skills to work as operators and supervisors within the desalination industry.

The program is BP-sponsored, and included theory and practical training for job seekers. TAHLYA also provided an internship placement at the Seawater Reverse Osmosis plants for two weeks, in order to gain real life experience and observe the industry at work.

The second batch has already started the training program as well, and TAHLYA hopes to similarly inspire them to apply themselves to the growing needs of the water desalination industry.

TAHLYA was initiated in February 2017, and three batches will graduate from the program by November 2017, with a total of 60 trained young Omanis.

“We are proud to witness the graduation of the first batch of trainees from the TAHLYA Training Program, which enabled them to play an important role in the desalination industry,” said Shabib Mohammed Al Mamari, Communications and External Affairs Manager at BP Oman.

Out of the 18 job seekers who were trained under TAHLYA, two were women. Sitting alongside their male student counterparts, Ahoud Al Hashmi and Shatha Al Rashdi overcame challenges related to the technical aspects of the training and focused on achieving integration with other trainees.

“To succeed in such technical industries, what really matters is motivation and strong desire for work and success. Having faith in one's capability and potential is of paramount importance, this is what enabled us to successfully complete the program,” said Al Rashdi.

MEDRC Water Research, a regional hub for training and research in water desalination, has participated in giving training for TAHLYA trainees.

The company will also provide significant support in attaining employment for TAHLYA’s successful participants. Engineer Riadh Dridi, Head of Training at MEDRC Water Research, commended this first batch on their hard work.

“I am very happy with how the trainees have approached this course. They have applied themselves in a dedicated, professional manner and have consistently displayed a genuine interest in what they are learning. I have every confidence that they can continue on in this industry and forge successful careers for themselves. We are working very hard to help them achieve that with the great support of BP Oman,” he said.