Octal Petrochemicals has inducted the first group of graduates from the technical training course it developed in partnership with the Salalah College of Technology.

Having completed classroom study and coursework in polymers chemistry, instrumentation, electrical and mechanical operating systems, and engineering terminology, the first group of 13 trainees will now undergo eight months of work experience at Octal’s PET resin and sheet-making plants.

The one-year Polymer Manufacturing course involves four months of classroom study followed by an eight-month work placement at Octal’s state-of-the-art facility in the Salalah Free Zone.

Octal employs more than 270 people at its integrated PET resin and sheet facility in Salalah, and hopes to offer full-time positions to the best candidates at the end of each successful induction.

Kamal Eisa, Training and Development co-ordinator at Octal, said: “Around a third of Octal’s employees are Omani and we intend to further improve employment opportunities for Omani nationals through this excellent scheme.”

“We are grateful to Salalah College of Technology for designing a programme to develop the technical skills required by our industry and provide Omani students a valuable grounding in the polymers industry. This will be of immense benefit to their future careers and to Octal’s success,” he remarked.

The on-the-job training covers the critical areas of Octal’s advanced manufacturing processes, including PET resin production and PET sheet lines operations, Utilities Operations and Maintenance, instrumentation and control maintenance, warehousing and logistics.

A total of 43 students are enrolled on the Salalah College of Technology Polymers Manaufacturing course, and the second batch of students will begin work experience at Octal in June.

Dr. Hassan bin Said Kashoob, dean of the Salalah College of Technology, said this was a textbook example of co-operation between the private sector and higher education.

'Omani graduates are receiving specialized training in a rapidly growing industry and the opportunity to hone their skills at one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities of its type in the world,' he stated.

“Special thanks should go to the faculty and technicians of Salalah College of Technology. Their co-operation and commitment has helped make this joint venture a reality.”

Octal trainee Jamal bin Mohammed Al Balushi said he was happy to have been selected for the course and was enjoying the opportunity to gain work experience at Octal in the PET sheet quality control section.

 “I am looking forward to putting into practice what I’ve learnt at college. At college we learnt the theory and now we have a chance to improve our skills through practical work experience,” he added.

Oman-based Octal announced the launch of its second plant, a 300,000 metric ton integrated PET resin and sheet facility, in January.

Octal expects per annum sales to reach $400 million by the end of 2009, and despite the global economic downturn remains in expansion mode with plans to hire 100 extra staff before the end of the year.-TradeArabia News Service