A GROUP of oil executives from Saudi Arabia have been celebrating the culmination of two years’ hard work after graduating from Adam Smith College in Fife.

The graduates work for Saudi Aramco, the largest oil company in the Middle East, and their graduation celebration recently was evidence of a growing partnership between the organisation and the college.

For the past five years, employees have attended the college to gain a range of practical vocational skills to support their work in the oil industry, and Saudi Aramco’s UK training co-ordinator recently awarded Adam Smith College a five-star rating as a training provider for their employees.

The men all graduated with HNDs in applied chemistry, environmental services, welding fabrication and non-destructive testing.

David Astill, director of business development at Adam Smith College, said he was delighted that the relationship was again being strengthened with the latest raft of Saudi graduates.

“Scottish education and training is very highly regarded in many countries of the world and we are delighted that Adam Smith College is actively involved in promoting and delivering one of Scotland’s best known exports,” he said.

“I look forward to the college’s continued work with Saudi Aramco, as we equip their employees with the skills and knowledge required to progress in such a modern and competitive environment.”

Staff praised their hard work in achieving their HNDs.

Dr John Whitelock, curriculum manager for applied sciences, said, “The quality of their work was excellent, which led them to being awarded a very high number of merits over their two years of study.”

Mr Astill added, “The students worked very hard during their two years of study and enjoyed positive relationships with staff and students.

“Their children attended school here and their wives received weekly English language tuition, with many of them passing SQA modules in English for speakers of other languages.”