PDO has managed to create more than 30,000 jobs, training and re-deployment opportunities for Omanis since 2011 through the National Objectives programme.

The aim of the National Objectives Department is to add value to the Omani workforce in the oil and gas industry and beyond. PDO’s objective in training and funding these young Omanis is to develop a local workforce by training and education in various vocational trades such as electrical technicians, mechanical technicians and welders. For example, around 200 young Omani jobseekers have been successfully trained to the 6G standard – the highest recognised certification in the welding industry – for employment with our contractors on PDO projects.

Indeed, it is important to emphasise that PDO-sponsored programmes are internationally accredited and trainees graduate with an international certification. We have worked with numerous contractors, small and big, with the aim of increasing the Omanisation levels within PDO contracts and across Oman. The majority of training is focused on areas that have a high demand in the industry but a low level of Omanisation. This way, value will be created and retained within Oman.

For any inquiries, please contact: National.Objectives@pdo.co.om

The fundamental mission of the team is to:"Deliver value to the Nation by maximising the employment of skilled Omanis with PDO contractors and across the wider oil and gas sector; and change the game on Omanisation, demonstrate what is really possible and drive the industry to achieve and sustain step changes in results."

Contractors “pledge” to employ a number of Omanis based on their Omanisation requirements – their commitment reflects the number of trainees the National Objectives programme trains. Therefore, no trainee commences training without having signed a training-for-employment contract. Essentially, the purpose of training is to provide the private sector with skilled Omanis and in parallel work alongside private sector contractors to secure employment for registered jobseekers.

Since the establishment of National Objectives in 2011, PDO has contributed to more than 30,000 job, training and re-deployment opportunities for Omanis in its contractor community.

The process for selecting training courses and trainees is as follows:

• An opportunity for developing Omani trainees is identified by PDO
• Contractors "pledge" to employ a number of trainees on successful completion of a recognised training course
• An approved training provider with a suitable training course and availability/capacity is identified and a contract is signed in accordance with PDO contracting procedures and standards. Training service providers have to be licensed by the Ministry of Manpower. The training provider is evaluated on several factors. These include their training facilities/equipment, trainer qualifications and HSE standards
• Potential trainees are selected by PDO from the Ministry of Manpower database of registered jobseekers
• Contractors interview the potential trainees and selected trainees sign a training-for-employment contract with the pledging contractor
• Selected trainees attend the training course that is sponsored by PDO and endorsed by the Ministry of Manpower
• Contractors offer full-time employment to successful trainees on completion of the course. A PDO team will continue to monitor the trainee on their workplace for one year to ensure they are been given the correct job and responsibilities as per their training.

Since the establishment of National Objectives, PDO has trained Omani youths in various disciplines such as electrical technicians, mechanical technicians, instrumentation technicians, pipe fitters, scaffolders and riggers. To begin with, training was based on jobs in the oil and gas sector that had a low Omanisation percentage but a high workforce demand.

Since 2011, the success rate and attrition rate of PDO-sponsored programmes have resulted in the expansion of training to include disciplines simply based on contractor demand and areas where contractors face difficulties in Omanisation. Therefore, PDO currently sponsors training in technician, drilling, topographic and civil roles.

We started by focusing solely on high school graduates, but this has since developed to include high school drop-outs and college graduates with technical diplomas to target as many without jobs as possible. In addition, PDO is focusing efforts on one-of-a-kind specialised training programmes that are the first in the region, such as the 6G welding programme to train 400 Omanis to the highest international standard. Participants are certified through The Welding Institute, a UK-based organisation. The service provider is the only TWI-accredited facility outside of the UK.

​In addition, we are working closely with the industry to upgrade the training standards provided in the Sultanate. Through various inspections and audits, we have improved the standards of the private training institutes we are dealing with.

Since 2011, the National Objectives team has matured to work alongside project teams in PDO to include Omanisation targets in pre-tender documents. The team is involved in the pre-planning of contract awards during the identification of the scope of work. Job positions and training opportunities are identified for the future so that Omanis can be recruited to be trained and thereby opportunities are reserved in advance. This has expanded so we work closely with government stakeholders and contractors to focus on delivering Omanisation plans.​​

Furthermore, in 2014, National Objectives’ scope of work expanded and PDO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (PASMED) to support and develop small and medium- enterprises (SMEs) in the oil and gas sector. With the large scope of work in electrical operations, there was an opportunity to identify electrical SMEs that have the potential to execute installation projects. Through the MoU, the SMEs will further enhance their skills by working with large electrical companies under the direct supervision of PDO.​​