Muscat,
The Ministry of Labour continues its efforts in empowering and employing Omani youth through various initiatives, one of which is the “On-the-Job Training for Small and Medium Enterprises” program. Launched in collaboration with the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the program’s inaugural edition took place in 2021. It aims to create employment opportunities for job seekers within these enterprises.
This year, the ministry targets providing two thousand training opportunities under this initiative. The approvals issued for on-the-job training opportunities amount to 2,330, benefiting 1,055 small and medium enterprises. The registered training contracts with the Ministry of Labour and the General Authority for Social Insurance reached 1,423, while 841 training opportunities are currently under registration. Additionally, 66 training opportunities have been canceled by the participating companies.
The initiative targets university graduates, diploma holders, and those with general diplomas and below. The training period spans 12 months, offering participants the chance to develop skills, gain diverse experiences, and secure employment. Noteworthy benefits include monthly allowances provided by the Ministry of Labour during the training period, based on academic qualifications. Participants are also required to register for social insurance during the training period.
The significance of the On-the-Job Training initiative lies in aligning job seekers’ training with the requirements of the small and medium enterprise market. Collaboration with these enterprises ensures the recruitment and sustained employment of national talents even after the training program concludes.
Moreover, the initiative encourages entrepreneurship in the Sultanate of Oman by providing support to trainees during their training period. It contributes to the development of small and medium enterprises by supplying them with skilled national professionals across various disciplines and expertise.