MUSCAT: Second batch of Tahlya, the capacity building training programme in desalination of MEDRC Water Research, Tahlya, were graduated at a colourful ceremony recently.
This unique training programme supported by BP Oman offers young talented Omanis the opportunity to be thoroughly trained in desalination technology. The initiative is expected to create more job opportunities for fresh graduates, enabling them to take up roles as operators and supervisors in the desalination industry.
Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Chairman of the Public Authority of Electricity and Water (PAEW), attended the event as the guest of honour and awarded the graduates with the certificates.
“I am truly honoured to witness the graduation of these ambitious young Omanis, who have successfully completed this first of its kind training programme in the desalination sector. I hope they succeed in fulfilling their professional and national duties to contribute to the development of our nation with excellence and commitment. I also would like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and gratitude to MEDRC for organising this programme and facilitating its success to achieve the noble objectives,” Al Mahrouqi commented.
Congratulating the fresh graduates, Shabib Mohammed al Maamari, BP Oman Communication and External Affairs Manager commented, “BP Oman is keen on supporting these initiatives as it equips young talented Omanis with the skills to take up important roles in the desalination sector and lead this emerging industry as a future contributor to the national economy. We will continue investing in high quality and sustainable initiatives that drive national growth by meeting socio-economic demands.”
Tahalya programme is very intense and renders hands on experience, providing trainees with a practical approach and helping them to acquire valuable skills. The students’ training expedition comprised theory and practical training at MEDRC’s training plant located in Al Hail area along with a two-week observational internship placement in Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plants, enabling them to experience a real-world operational desalination plant.
The skills and competencies garnered by these graduates enabled some of them to get jobs independently. SUEZ, a globally renowned water management multinational corporation, is in charge of the construction and operation of the Desalination Plant in Barka and will employ a number of graduates from the first batch, which concluded on 16th of April 2017.
“We are happy to see this second batch of trainees graduate from the TAHLYA training programme,” said Engineer Riadh Dridi, Head of Training, at MEDRC Water Research. “These students have gained a thorough understanding of the desalination process. They have the knowledge and skill set necessary to begin a career in water and are ready to help to fill the labour requirements of the developing desalination sector in Oman,” he further added.
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