Training programmes to enhance employability among Omani youth

Muscat: Two training programmes designed to enhance employability skills and positive ethics among young Omani nationals were recently launched by Outward Bound Oman (OBO).
Sponsored by BP Oman, over the next six months these are the two programmes for students: Next Generation and Skills for Life – both aimed at targeting job seekers and special needs groups across Oman
Shamsa Ahmed Al Rawahi, BP Oman’s Social Investment Programme Officer, said, “Since 2014, BP Oman and Outward Bound Oman have been delivering youth training programmes to help prepare young adults for the job market. We are happy to renew this long-standing partnership that goes from strength to strength and expand the programme’s remit to include Next Generation courses this year.”
The transition from education to employment presents a significant challenge for young people. Therefore, the intensive four-day Next Generation course is aimed at youth, who are either studying, are job seekers or people in their early years of employment. The focus is on employability issues, skill-set evaluation, basic work ethics and action planning. Skills for Life, on the other hand, is designed to unlock the potential of young people in Oman and develop core skills, values and qualities that will enable them to thrive in life. Also conducted over four days, the course focuses on young people in school, aims to change how they think about themselves and their lives by building the personal, social and emotional skills at a critical time in their education.
Mark Evan, General Manger at Outward Bound Oman, said, “Young people are central to a country’s development, so it is essential they learn the necessary skills required to be future leaders at all levels. When considering their education and training, one must look beyond job specific skills and foster individuals’ capabilities in a wide variety of settings. Outward Bound Oman courses focus on their all-important soft skills, such as self-confidence, time-management, organisation, ability to solve problems and be part of a team. Developing a work ethic is also key, as someone with a strong work ethic is self-motivated, requires little supervision and wants to continue learning and improving.”
Many of the courses will be held at OBO’s new Desert Training Centre in A’Sharqiyah region. Over the four days, students will undertake an adventurous journey that will take them out of their comfort zone. Each day important discussions will take place around the campfire, focusing students’ minds on how to improve their chances of finding a good job.