(MENAFNEditorial) Highlighting efforts to develop the next generation of young engineers and other technical workers for the global oil and gas industry, GE Oil & Gas (NYSE: GE) and Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) have launched a new Competency Development training collaboration. KOC is a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Company.
GE and KOC announced their initiative at the ADIPEC 2013 energy conference in Abu Dhabi, which ran from November 10-13. GE also showcased a number of other initiatives, including a Young Engineers Panel (YEP!) session entitled, 'Powering the Future of the Oil and Gas Industry 2014.'
As part of GE and KOC's training program, 10 KOC mechanical engineers recently successfully completed the extensive Competency Development Training Path that covers all rotating equipment technologies as well as control and vibration monitoring systems.
GE has developed the customized path through its various training centers in Europe, including the GE Florence Learning Center in Italy; the GE Technical Training Academy and Training facility at the company's Massa Workshop in Italy; and the GE Training Center in Warrington, UK.
The program covered an estimated 100 training days over a six-month period. Half of the training included hands-on work on GE's line of gas turbines and centrifugal compressors, in addition to vibration and condition monitoring systems. KOC is confident that the candidates will be able to adapt themselves to handle non-GE make machinery as well, with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience acquired during this competency development training.
"This successful first program represents the kick-off of our forward-looking framework in which both KOC and GE are will cooperate on future opportunities in human capital development," said Hamed Al-Mutairi, Manager Operations (East Kuwait), KOC.
The next steps of their collaboration will focus on replicating the blended training approach by integrating theoretical and practical sessions on rotating equipment, vibration monitoring systems and control systems by utilizing the advanced tools and equipment for practical training at GE's facilities.
During a graduation ceremony that will be held in Kuwait in January 2014, the participants will receive their completion certificates. GE and KOC will also have the opportunity to begin formalizing their training cooperation agreement for future.
Such training initiatives are vital as industry statistics show that up to 50 per cent of the oil and gas sector's engineers will be eligible to retire over the next several years.
"The global oil and gas industry faces a growing talent gap as more of today's workforce retires, creating a demand for a new generation of workers with the skills to address the world's 21st century energy challenges," said Rami Qasem, president and CEO GE Oil & Gas, MENAT region. "Developing a highly trained workforce is a top priority, including KOC. This initiative represents our biggest training agreement with KOC for total duration, range of equipment, level of customization on topics covered and the assessment and monitoring of the technical skills improvement."
GE introduced its YEP! program at the ADIPEC 2012 conference with the goal of engaging in productive and thoughtful dialogue with young engineers regarding career opportunities in the oil and gas industry and gather feedback on their career concerns and priorities.
"Our young engineers panel discussions are important tools to recruit and develop the best and brightest workforce of the future as we explore the interests of engineers students and young engineers and showcase our efforts to fostering local talent in the regions where we operate," said Qasem.
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