MUSCAT: Oman Refreshment Company (REFCO), one of the country’s leading beverage and manufacturing companies, has successfully concluded its annual summer internship programme conducted in partnership with Sultan Qaboos University, reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to empowering Omani youth and enabling career pathways in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Now in its 10th year, the internship offers university students practical, hands-on experience across multiple business functions, including Supply, Planning and Logistics, Finance and Digitalisation, and Plant Industrial. Participants work under the guidance of experienced managers, gaining exposure to the full business cycle and insights into one of Oman’s oldest manufacturing companies.
“Empowering the next generation of Omani talent is essential to REFCO’s growth and the nation’s long-term prosperity,” said Suleiman al Salmi, Director of People, Culture and Corporate Services at REFCO. “Our internship programme is part of a wider effort to localise skills and create sustainable career opportunities for local youth, while supporting the Oman Vision 2040 ambitions in workforce development and industrial innovation.” The programme is designed to provide practical workplace skills as well as identify and nurture future talent.
“I gained many things from this internship, most importantly exposure to the practical and applied side of finance,” said Marwa al Barashdi, an intern and student at Sultan Qaboos University.
“The team encouraged me to train and learn new things.” The internship represents one of the many ways REFCO invests in Oman’s economic and social development. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than RO 50 million locally, introduced state-of-the-art manufacturing lines, supported SMEs through acquisitions and partnered with local community initiatives to equip local youth with practical life skills.
With 53 per cent of its workforce made up of Omanis and 15 nationalities across the organisation, REFCO continues to champion diversity and inclusion, while offering leadership training and development opportunities for Omani employees through programmes such as ETIMAD and more.
Looking ahead, REFCO remains committed to expanding opportunities for young Omanis to develop their skills and contribute to the nation’s progress. With 10 sites across Oman, the company continues to align its talent development programmes with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to shape a local workforce that is equipped to drive innovation, support economic diversification and advance the country’s sustainable growth.
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