Laying strong emphasis on its role as a responsible Corporate Citizen in the community, Sohar Aluminium (SA) opened its doors for 62 students from universities and colleges across Oman as part of the company’s annual seven-week Summer Students Training Programme. Designed to complement education with the workplace experience, students majoring in various disciplines ranging from Engineering, Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, IT and Finance have been selected based on their field of study and academic achievements and have joined various departments at the company for their summer internship.

The creation of Sohar Aluminium came about as a result of the 2020 Vision where the industrial sector is a cornerstone of the Sultanate’s long term development strategy and establishing a strong industrial sector that Oman can rely on for the future other than Oil. Aligned with this vision and its Omanization efforts, Sohar Aluminium’s Summer Students Program goal is to help develop the work skills of Omani youth, and provide interns with real work assignments and a chance to engage with accomplished professionals who can offer their expertise into what the industry requires in the coming years, thus helping students plan their future aspirations.

The students are guided throughout the Summer Students Training Programme by members of the various departments who will impart them towards a successful career and leadership roles. Sohar Aluminium’s Summer Students Training Programme runs until 30 August 2014, and will be concluded through a graduation ceremony on 31 August.

Participating educational institutions include Sultan Qaboos University; College of Applied Sciences Sohar, Ibri, and Rustaq; Sohar University; Shinas College of Technology; Caledonian College; Higher College of Technology Muscat; Ibra College of Technology; International College of Engineering and Waljat College.

Through the Summer Training Programme and structured competency development program, SA has further enhanced its Omanization to its current level where they have a large portion of Omanis in all the areas and levels of the business. SA endeavours to retain, train and develop Omanis in order to operate, maintain, supervise and then manage the plant providing continuous development for its young employees.
Sohar Aluminium was formed in September 2004 to undertake a landmark Greenfield aluminium smelter project in the Sultanate of Oman, and is jointly owned by Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC - TAQA and Rio Tinto Alcan.