With more skilled labour Oman can take on world

Muscat: Oman needs skilled labour to work in infrastructure, industry and logistics facilities, experts say.
Although universities and colleges in Oman offer a variety of programmes, they are not enough, according to major industry figures. Shadya Al Ismaili runs a fine jewellery and chinaware business, and says that one of her largest challenges is hiring skilled workers for her manufacturing facility.
“We are not able to get skilled people to work in the manufacturing projects. We still don’t have any plants manufacturing chinaware in the country, and we lack that expertise.
“If we think we might start manufacturing, we will have to bring the entire team from the outside,” said Al Ismaili.
Some say vocational training could be instrumental in bridging this employment gap.
Vocational training
“I think vocational training Is very important. If you look at the UK, where I come from, vocational training plays a big role in the logistics industry, where colleges teach you theories and ideas. But logistics is about dirty hands work- lifting boxes and driving trucks, so it is important that people learn that side, as well,” noted Chris Clark, International Development Manager of MedServ.
Imad Al Khaduri, General Manager of Business Development at the Oman Global Logistics Group SAOC, noted, “There is the human capital side, which is looking at developing the caliber of Omanis, and you can do that by tapping into colleges and institutes, and draw upon a transport academy or specific programmes that can improve the ability of young Omanis in the logistics industry.”
Organised by Ithraa
Industry officials will be part of the panel discussions, entitled “Made in Oman” and “Urban Logistics” during the ‘Inside Stories’ event organised by Ithraa on September 21 and 26 at Bank Muscat’s headquarters.
The public can register to attend at ‘events.ithraa.om’.