Muscat: OQ Group welcomed 130 graduates into its 2026 Graduate Development Programme intake during the official onboarding ceremony held today. The event was held under the auspices of Said Abdullah Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development at Oman Institute for Energy.
According to Oman News Agency, the intake represents a tangible outcome of the strategic agreement signed between OQ and the Ministry of Labour in October 2025, reflecting a strong public-private partnership approach to sustainable employment and national capacity building. The partnership aims to provide 600 job opportunities for graduates and job seekers in fields aligned with OQ's business needs and future growth plans, translating national workforce priorities into structured, employment-linked talent pathways.
The Graduate Development Programme is one of OQ's flagship national talent initiatives and a core component of its long-term workforce strategy. Designed as a fully integrated two-year pathway, the programme combines structured learning, on-the-job training, leadership engagement, dialogue sessions, and hands-on field experience. It enables graduates to translate academic knowledge into practical impact, gain cross-asset exposure, and build a comprehensive understanding of OQ's operations.
As a strategic pillar of OQ's investment in people, the programme develops leadership and professional capabilities across engineering, operational, and corporate functions. Said Abdullah Al Balushi highlighted the Ministry of Labour's emphasis on qualification and training to enable Omani youth to meet the needs of the labour market. He appreciated OQ Group's efforts in developing national capabilities among university and diploma holders and absorbing job seekers through structured plans.
Eng. Ali Mohamed Al Lawati, Chief People and Technology Officer at OQ, stated that the Graduate Development Programme serves as a strategic platform to advance national capability. The programme aligns national workforce priorities with evolving industry requirements, ensuring participants gain the operational exposure and professional maturity demanded by a rapidly transforming global energy landscape.
OQ's broader efforts in training and national talent development have resulted in the training of 3,771 individuals between 2021 and mid-2025. Additionally, 1,817 graduates have been employed through employment-linked training programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour. OQ's Omanisation rate stands at 87%, with contractors required to comply with Ministry-approved Omanisation targets.
The 2026 intake builds on OQ's vision to advance national development priorities and strengthen youth participation in the national economy. By preparing a capable new generation of professionals, the programme contributes to the long-term sustainability and growth of the energy sector and the creation of enduring value for Oman.