MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education, through the Directorate-General of Vocational and Technical Education, continues to enhance vocational and technical education, aligning it with labour market demands and the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040.
As part of this initiative, the current academic year has seen significant developments across various disciplines, including business administration, information technology, and engineering and industrial specialisations.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year to welcome new students into these programmes.
To support students in private training institutions, the Directorate has distributed all second-semester textbooks for engineering and industrial specialisations, covering fields such as engineering maintenance, mechanical manufacturing, occupational health and safety, structural maintenance, lifting and lowering operations, welding and metal forming.
These curricula were developed under the supervision of the Oman Energy Association (OPAL) and underwent rigorous scientific and technical reviews by experts from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Education. Currently, efforts are focused on preparing grade 12 curricula for both semesters, ensuring continued progress in this educational track.
In anticipation of the 2025-2026 academic year, the Directorate has launched awareness and educational programmes across post-basic education schools in Muscat and Al Batinah North. These initiatives, carried out in collaboration with the Centre for Career Guidance and Student Counselling, aim to introduce students and parents to vocational and technical education opportunities.
The programmes include school visits, career guidance sessions and participation in educational fairs such as the University Specialisations and Training Programmes Exhibition in Al Batinah North. Additionally, the Directorate is preparing to showcase vocational and technical education at the 29th edition of the Muscat Book Fair to expand awareness among the broader community.
To ensure the effectiveness of these programmes, the Directorate has conducted technical evaluations of schools offering vocational and technical education, as well as private training institutions specialising in engineering and industrial fields. These assessments aim to monitor educational progress and optimise learning outcomes.
Also, ongoing discussions with key stakeholders address administrative and logistical matters, training institution contracts and alignment with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation to ensure transition for graduates into higher education and the workforce.
Oman is actively strengthening this educational track, positioning it as a cornerstone for developing skilled national talent and meeting the evolving needs of various economic sectors.
Through strategic partnerships with the private sector and academic institutions, vocational and technical education is fostering employment opportunities and driving sustainable development, in line with Oman Vision 2040.
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