Over 20 Omani graduates are being trained to gain vital business, IT and leadership skills through SAP-sponsored Mawared graduate training programme.

The German software company has said it is collaborating with the Sultanate’s ITA to improve the programme’s effectiveness across the country, including the potential to subsidise students.

The graduates were selected from a pool of over 300 applicants and another 20 students are set to join in the fourth quarter of this year.

As a part of the programme, they recently took part in networking and knowledge-sharing session with local businesses and industry heads in Muscat. The event was spearheaded by several ITA and SAP executives, in the presence of Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, German Ambassador to Oman.

On completion of the programme, Mawared students could be funded by organisations such as the ITA and the private sector. The firms will benefit from access to a peerless pool of technologically articulate, business-savvy consultants attuned to local market needs, said the statement.

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) have already benefited from a pilot version of the programme.

CEO Dr Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi of ITA, said: “ICT is a critical part of the Oman 2020 economic vision, and a powerful catalyst for economic diversification, entrepreneurialism and, ultimately, a more sustainable, knowledge-based society."

“We know Oman has the talent to shape a bright future, but we must always ensure they have access to world-class education and training. SAP, with its global track record for capacity-building and business innovation, is an ideal ally in our mission to unlock the potential of graduates, and put them on the path to attain influential, industry and economy-shaping leadership positions,” he added –  TradeArabia News Service