A delegation from Iraq has stopped off in Fife as part of a fact-finding mission in Scotland during which they hope to learn more about rebuilding the war-torn country’s oil and gas workforce.
The visiting group, made up of five senior figures from Iraq’s Ministry for Oil and the deans of the four oil technical institutes in Basrah, Kirkuk, Baghdad and Tikrit, took in Adam Smith College’s new £17.5 million Future Skills Centre in Glenrothes and discussed how they can replicate Scotland’s success in building a world-renowned oil and gas industry.
The visit was led by Aberdeen firm OPITO, which sets safety and training standards for the global oil and gas industry.
It follows an agreement between OPITO and the Iraqi government which will see the organisation help the country develop skills to exploit its hydrocarbon resources.
David Doig, OPITO group chief executive, said, “This is an exciting opportunity for OPITO and acknowledgement of the high regard in which our standards are held globally.
“But more importantly this is a major step forward for the people of Iraq, who, if they are to successfully rebuild their country, must create a safe, sustainable and profitable oil and gas industry.”‘First steps in rebuilding’He added, “Working in partnership with the government and the industry in Iraq, we have set out a broad strategy which will help build the skills base through use of standards and qualifications, best practice and proven learning products.”
Under the terms of the agreement signed in Amman, OPITO will work with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to understand what skills they need and provide specialist guidance and support to help the country build a world-class learning infrastructure.
This will ensure that the people of Iraq can obtain the skills, knowledge and qualifications to access oil and gas jobs now and in the future.
Iqdam Hashim Al-Shadeedi, of the Ministry for Oil’s training and development directorate, said, “It will be a significant factor in developing the skills of the Iraq nation and ensuring world-class industry standards and qualifications.
“It represents the first steps in rebuilding our nation’s workforce and reputation.”