Information Technology Authority signs MoU with National Training Fund for strengthening IT capability

Business Monday 13/November/2017 17:42 PM
By: Times News Service
Information Technology Authority signs MoU with National Training Fund for strengthening IT capability

Muscat: The Information Technology Authority (ITA) and the National Training Fund (NTF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support and facilitate Omanisation activities and build the national workforce capability in the field of information technology. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, CEO of ITA, and Sharifa Tahir Aidid, CEO of NTF.
The purpose of the MoU is to establish a strategic relationship between ITA and NTF to promote Omanisation and boost skill development activities in IT fields. Both entities will collaborate to encourage the enhancement of technical and vocational education and training in the IT sector.
In order to bridge the gap between market supply and demand, ITA and NTF will work together to develop the capabilities of the local workforce and to encourage the enhancement of technical skills in the IT sector. Further, ITA and NTF will seek to promote productivity of the workforce by yielding efficiency through training programmes and learning from local and international best practices.
The agreement stresses the significance of conducting research and studies on conditions of the local labour market, understanding the potential future requirements according to the trends and developments of the local workforce capability in the IT sector, and the urgent need to establish strategic partnerships and relationships with leading global institutions with the aim of leveraging on training programs in the IT sector.
As part of the MoU, ITA and NTF will cooperate to enhance the development and sustainability of small-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the IT sector, and to identify areas whereby SMEs require support in terms of building workforce capability. The two entities also will work jointly and with the Omani ICT Association to establish Sector Skills Council with the aim of building National Occupational Standards that will cater to the sector’s needs.