Specialist awarding organisation EAL and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers have agreed a joint venture to increase the number of professional registered engineers, technicians and engineering training facilities in Oman
The landmark agreement was unveiled before industry leaders and VIPs at a glittering ceremony at the British Embassy in Muscat. Stephen Tetlow MBE, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said:
“We are delighted to agree this joint venture which will help boost the number of Omani engineers gaining professional registration.
“This will help ensure the development of engineering skills, which are so critical to the growth and progress of Oman’s economy.”
Julia Chippendale, Managing Director of EAL, believes that the agreement marks a major milestone for Oman and its industrial development. She said: “The Sultanate of Oman is a noble nation with a vision to skill its people. It has a proud past and a vision for its future.
“It is important for any country to be able to access a talent pool of its own nationals. The Joint Venture, between ourselves and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, is the perfect partnership offering an extraordinary depth of experience and expertise.”
The British Ambassador to Oman, Jonathan Wilks said; “Engineering is incredibly important to the indigenisation of Oman
“The future of Oman will depend on its diversification away from oil and through building its human resources.
“I am delighted that this project between EAL and IMechE, to set standards and train thousands of young Omanis, will really help to really build a bright future for a country that has developed further and faster than any other country in the last 45 years.”
The joint venture aims to harness engineering skills to develop vital infrastructure and serve its dynamic oil and gas industry. Membership of the Institution and EAL certification will provide an international benchmark for Engineering skills developed by Omanis. We hope that this initiative will make a vital contribution to Oman’s In-Country Value National Objective. The agreement sets out a skills ‘roadmap’ aiding Omani nationals to make the transition from vocational to professional qualifications and eventually become internationally recognised as professionally registered engineers.
EAL, which is part of the Semta Group, will call upon Semta’s experience at setting standards and frameworks for the sector.
Further information from Dan Kirkby 07785 392735 dan@dkpr.co.uk www.eal.org.uk
