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Takatuf, the Human Capital solutions provider, and Petrofac, an international organisation with expertise in delivering world-class technical vocational training programmes, have partnered to create a leading technical centre of excellence in Oman:

Takatuf Petrofac Oman, or TPO, has been developed as a state of the art training institute where knowledge is facilitated in a classroom environment, and then tested and applied through hands-on practical learning.

The institute will offer training facilities that include fourteen technology equipped classrooms, a multi-disciplined workshop and four industry-standard live process plants that replicate training conditions in the field. Each of the Oil Separation, Gas Sweetening, Crude Distillation and Utilities replica plants has a dedicated control room housing the latest in distributed control systems.

The design of the four bespoke training plants draws upon Petrofac’s extensive experience of combining its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) capabilities with its Training knowledge’, said Karim Osseiran, Vice President Petrofac Training Services. ‘The concept is designed and constructed using the company’s EPC processes and the result is a “live” training environment that replicates hydrocarbon plant operations without any risk. This safe approach provides a unique and immersive experience for students that will accelerate their development’.

Oman faces challenges with respect to workforce readiness, especially as the current business environment has become both demanding and dynamic for Oman’s energy professionals. Companies more than ever expect their employees to be able to demonstrate capability and competence and to present results.

With this in mind, TPO was formed as a joint venture between Takatuf and Petrofac with an overarching goal to provide world-class, internationally accredited pathways to push growth and develop the capabilities of future and existing personnel in the energy sector. Since its inception, TPO has worked closely with industry to ensure the highest level of training for young Omanis with the overall aim of reducing time to autonomy and cost, thereby providing organisations with qualified graduates ready to enter the workforce.

Commenting on the project, Ibrahim Al Harthi, Managing Director of Takatuf, said, ‘This training centre is a vital tool to the Omani energy sector and the sultanate’s In-Country Value. TPO programmes are developed to equip students with the necessary skills and internationally awarded qualifications to make immediate and valuable contributions to the workplace once they finish their training programmes’.

TPO will deliver comprehensive training solutions and offer a variety of entry level streams, including two-year diploma programmes for high-school leavers, 18-month fast-track programmes for diploma holders and employees, short course programmes for domestic and international markets, as well as leadership and management training as professional development opportunities for industry professionals.

TPO training programmes will enable delegates to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) at levels 1, 2 and 3. TPO will be the only institute in Oman to offer a Level 3 NVQ.

A two-year TPO programme will include:

• Year One – Foundation Training:

  • English Language

  • Technical Mathematics

  • Health and Safety (NVQ1)

• Year Two – Technical Programme (NVQ2, NVQ3):

  • Performing Engineering Operations (PEO)

  • Specialised training in

    • Process Operations

    • Electrical Maintenance

    • Mechanical Maintenance

    • Instrumentation Maintenance

The TPO Technical Vocational Training Institute is currently in its final stages of construction at Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) and set to open in November 2017. When completed, TPO will accommodate 300 students per year.