Navigating the Job Market: Key Insights from the ‘Together We Progress’ Forum for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
Muscat: The second day of the "Together We Progress" forum featured a series of dialogue sessions addressing critical topics, including governorate development, the future of professions and jobs, the retirement system, culture, sports, youth, and economic diversification.
During the discussions, Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba’owain, the Minister of Labour, emphasized the forum’s aim to align workforce skills with market demands. He remarked, "The outputs are of high quality, but the job market requires additional skills. The ministry is actively working to bridge this gap through employment-linked training and on-the-job training."
The minister revealed that the Ministry of Labour has provided approximately 9,000 training opportunities tied to employment in 2024, increasing this number to around 14,000 for the current year.
He also underscored that employment in the government sector is determined by actual needs, with around 6,000 jobs available annually in the health and education sectors, in addition to a similar number of positions in the military.
Additionally, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development shared that vocational education outcomes are well-suited for roles in both government and private sectors. "Over 8,000 students are enrolled across eight colleges, and there is an ongoing initiative to assess the training system in the Sultanate of Oman at government, private, and vocational levels," he noted.
The forum continues to serve as a vital platform for constructive discussions on national priorities, connecting officials and community members to shape policies for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The "Together We Progress" forum highlights a critical shift toward aligning workforce skills with market demands, creating opportunities for businesses to tap into a more capable labor pool. Investors and entrepreneurs should consider the growing emphasis on vocational training, which is essential for sustaining economic diversification in Oman. However, the risk of skills mismatch remains, urging stakeholders to proactively engage in training initiatives to secure a competitive edge.
