Oman-based Octal Petrochemicals has joined hands with the Salalah College of Technology (SCT) and the Ministry of Manpower to offer fifty high school graduates and engineering students specialized technical training in polymer manufacturing technology. Octal, the first company in its field in Oman is also the first to organize this pilot program in the region. Following an extensive screening process under the guidance of Kamal Eisa, training and development coordinator at Octal, the first batch of fifty students have been selected as the most eligible candidates to undergo their 18 month technical training program at SCT commencing on Sept. 1, 2008. Dr. Hassan Said Kashoob, dean of SCT, said: “This pilot program provides an opportunity to diversify our offering of specialized technical training to college students. It is our mission to develop our technical education portfolio and produce professionals who can be absorbed within the corporate sector. Guided by Octal Petrochemical's specialist staff members we hope this program will herald a new beginning for focused specialized training in technology colleges in Oman. The Ministry of Manpower and SCT support this initiative by Octal Petrochemicals to train Omani nationals in this specialized training program.” The SCT will facilitate the majority of the program using their qualified staff and imported specialists to teach the polymer specific courses. The program content will include established engineering and foundation courses already offered by the SCT, as well as specifically designed courses guided by Octal Petrochemical's polymer and petrochemicals specialist staff members. Successful graduates will have the opportunity for employment with Octal upon completion of the training program. Octal will be providing its premises for the practical and on-the-job training requirement as the sophisticated polymer technology is not readily available in the country or region. Nicholas Barakat, managing director of Octal Petrochemicals, said: “This partnership with SCT will provide us with a platform to play a role in fostering local talent as well as contributing to developing a highly qualified and stable workforce in Oman. By 2008 we anticipate having 300 employees, with more coming onboard in 2009.” This one-of-a-kind program will provide students with the opportunity to get involved in an industry that holds great potential for growth-Octal plans to capture a fifth of the $2 billion world market for APET sheet by the middle of next year. __
