Latest news with #NationalInitiativeforDigitalCompetencies
Observer
14-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Over 1,600 Omanis hired in transport, IT sectors in Q1
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has announced the employment of 1,450 Omanis in the transport and logistics sector and 236 in the information technology sector during the first quarter of 2025. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to localise jobs and reduce dependence on expatriate labour across key economic sectors. By the end of 2025, the Ministry aims to create 4,950 job opportunities for Omanis in the transport and logistics sector and 430 in the IT sector. A series of regulations and initiatives have been launched to support this goal, including binding Omanisation rates and wage support mechanisms. In the transport and logistics sector, the Ministry achieved a 21% Omanisation rate during Q1, with a target of reaching 10% Omanisation in technical and leadership positions by year-end. Similarly, in the IT sector, the Ministry is aiming for a 63% overall Omanisation rate and 41% in specialised and leadership roles. To support these objectives, the Ministry has introduced various measures, including: Wage Support Initiatives: Financial support for Omani employees in select IT professions and projects. Freelance Opportunities: Promotion of income-generating freelance work in IT through structured programs and agreements, such as the one signed with Awasr Company to create 58 freelance roles. Training & Upskilling: More than 990 Omanis have benefited from the Makeen (National Initiative for Digital Competencies) programme during Q1, aimed at equipping youth with advanced digital skills. On-the-Job Training: Around 50 Omanis received training in semiconductor projects, while 210 are currently undergoing training for future roles in transport and logistics. Specialised Driver Training: In collaboration with the Oman Logistics Association, 52 Omanis were trained as locomotive and trailer drivers. The Ministry is also working closely with the Ministry of Labour to enforce Omanisation across critical roles in the maritime sector, including captains, chief engineers, and navigational officers. New measures require approvals from the Labor Market Regulatory Committee before work permits for these positions can be issued. Additional efforts include the enforcement of a 20% Omanisation rate in supervisory roles within last-mile delivery services and mandatory localisation targets for executive and consultancy roles in contracted firms. Together, these integrated strategies reflect the government's commitment to empowering the Omani workforce and aligning employment policies with Oman Vision 2040's objectives of economic diversification and sustainable job creation. —ONA
08-02-2025
- Business
MTCIT expands digital competency training for youth in Oman
Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) has launched the second edition of the National Initiative for Digital Competencies, known as Makeen, to train Omani youth in specialised digital skills and prepare them for leadership roles in the country's digital transformation. This year's initiative, launched on Thursday, aims to train 200 graduates across multiple specialised tracks, with new fields introduced, including network security engineering and cloud computing. A ministry official stated that these camps are designed to provide advanced training in cutting-edge technology, enabling Omani talent to compete effectively in the job market. Building on the success of the first edition, held between 2023 and 2024, this year's programme has expanded its reach beyond Muscat. Training camps will be held in Suhar, Sur, and Salalah, ensuring more graduates across the country can participate. Registration for the first batch of participants is open from January 30 to February 13. The training covers fields such as web development, data science, artificial intelligence, systems engineering, and network security engineering. The camps will commence on April 13 in Muscat and April 20 in Suhar. Admission will be based on assessments and personal interviews to match participants with the tracks most suited to their skills and interests. Dates for Sur and Salalah will be announced later. Each camp will feature a 16-week training programme conducted at the Programming Academy's labs, focusing on both technical and professional skills. This will be followed by an eight-week on-the-job training period at government or private institutions, providing participants with practical industry experience. The first edition of Makeen camps trained 100 graduates in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, mobile app development, and cybersecurity. The strong demand and positive outcomes have led to this year's expanded programme, which accommodates more participants and introduces additional training tracks. By equipping graduates with in-demand skills, Makeen aims to bolster Oman's technological workforce and improve employment prospects in the communications and information technology sector.
