OQ Group welcomed 130 graduates into its 2026 Graduate Development Programme intake during the official onboarding ceremony.

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, reported ONA.

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.

It translates national workforce priorities into structured, employment-linked talent pathways, reinforcing a shared commitment to building a sustainable workforce pipeline that links education, employability and long-term career progression.

The Graduate Development Programme is one of OQ’s  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.

Through a dynamic professional environment, the programme 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, it develops leadership and professional capabilities across engineering, operational and corporate functions while reinforcing the Group’s national role in building Omani talent and strengthening human capital readiness for the future of the energy sector.

Said Al Balushi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development, said: “The Ministry of Labour places strong emphasis on qualification and training to enable Omani youth to meet the needs of the labour market and its rapidly evolving skills requirements, through its various plans and programmes, and in cooperation with government entities and companies.”

He added: “the Ministry appreciates the efforts made by OQ Group and its companies in developing national capabilities among university and diploma holders, and in absorbing job seekers across its sectors and companies through structured plans and methodologies that contribute to strengthening the skills of Omani youth. These initiatives include the OQ Graduate Development Programme, which will accommodate 600 graduates.”

Ali Al Lawati, Chief People & Technology Officer at OQ, said: “The Graduate Development Programme serves as a strategic platform through which OQ advances national capability at scale. Developing Omani professionals to global standards is integral to the long-term competitiveness of our energy sector and to the resilience of the national economy. In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, 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. Through this approach, we continue to strengthen the nation’s human capital foundation and support the sustained advancement of Oman’s energy ecosystem.”

OQ’s broader efforts in training and national talent development have resulted in the training of 3,771 individuals between 2021 and mid-2025.

In addition, 1,817 graduates have been employed through employment-linked training programmes, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, across engineering, technical and commercial fields since 2011.

OQ’s Omanisation rate stands at 87 per cent, with the Group requiring its contractors to comply with the Ministry of Labour-approved Omanisation targets as part of its tendering and procurement frameworks, reinforcing job localisation and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Omani youth.

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.