News Summary
The Association for Project Management (APM) is taking steps to improve Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team capabilities in the Gulf oil and gas sector. By introducing foundational project qualifications and establishing academic partnerships, APM aims to bridge skill gaps, particularly in project management. The initiative focuses on fostering communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, essential for successful megaprojects, as regional governments push energy diversification plans. APM also addresses multilingual challenges with Arabic training and promotes diversity and inclusivity within project teams.
Enhancing EPC Skills in Gulf Oil and Gas Megaprojects: A New Initiative
The oil and gas industry plays a crucial role in driving energy infrastructure development across the Middle East. Recognizing the need for skilled professionals, the Association for Project Management (APM) has initiated efforts to enhance engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities in Gulf megaprojects. This initiative focuses on bridging gaps in both technical and soft skills within project teams, which are vital for the success of large-scale energy projects.
Foundational Project Qualifications: A Game Changer
To address these skill gaps, APM is expanding access to industry-recognized certifications and forming academic partnerships within the region. The emphasis is placed on foundational project qualifications, such as the Project Fundamentals Qualifications (PFQs). These qualifications aim to improve the effectiveness of individuals working in diverse, cross-functional project teams by emphasizing key concepts such as project principles, communication, and collaboration.
Meeting the Challenges of a Diverse Workforce
Governments in the Gulf region are accelerating their energy diversification plans, leading to a growing demand for coordination among multilingual and multidisciplinary teams. Megaprojects typically involve complex public-private partnerships and intricate supply chains that rely on effective interpersonal skills, governance, and a shared understanding of project delivery frameworks.
While APM’s PFQ is an introductory qualification, it is integral in developing essential project management capabilities that enhance overall performance in megaproject environments. The organization’s goal is to promote clarity, accountability, and a common project language that transcends cultural and professional boundaries.
Academic Collaborations: Bridging the Gap
The collaboration between Middlesex University Dubai and APM represents a strategic move to integrate these qualifications into academic curricula. This partnership is designed to enhance student access to recognized industry skills and help connect graduates to a global professional network, thereby preparing them for the demands of the industry.
With the rising demand for project management talent, the industry faces barriers, particularly the requirement for deep sector knowledge, which can limit entry for skilled professionals from other sectors. Traditional training programs often lack relevance to current regulatory, digital, and sustainability needs.
Combatting Language and Cultural Barriers
Language and cultural barriers pose significant challenges in multinational project settings. APM is addressing this issue by piloting its PFQ in Arabic, making training more accessible for early-career professionals and non-English-speaking project staff. Conducting training in Arabic not only enhances understanding but also fosters inclusivity within project teams.
Diversity Initiatives and Industry Collaboration
APM’s commitment extends to investing in research and knowledge-sharing initiatives that address neurodiversity, women in leadership, and diverse project teams. Such efforts signify a dedication to creating a project community that reflects the environments they serve. The rigid organizational structures of many legacy energy companies further complicate career advancement within project management, making accessible and inclusive training frameworks essential.
Certification: A Standard for Quality
Professional certification is increasingly recognized as a means to improve project delivery outcomes, especially in the context of high-stakes megaprojects. Certification standardizes best practices and equips project professionals with the skills needed to navigate complexity and engage stakeholders effectively. Qualified personnel drive consistency and structure throughout all phases of a project.
Localizing Training for Greater Impact
APM acknowledges that a greater localization of training will be essential to achieving energy transition objectives. Arabic-language qualifications can expand participation, particularly in light of UAE nationalization targets. Companies aiming to meet Emiratisation goals stand to benefit from having more nationals prepared for project management roles.
By removing language barriers and aligning qualifications with workforce strategies, there is potential to cultivate a more capable pipeline of future project leaders. Ultimately, the future of energy delivery in the Gulf hinges on enhancing human capacity in tandem with ongoing infrastructure and capital investments. Equipping individuals with essential project skills from an early stage will be pivotal in meeting these growing demands.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Oil and Gas Middle East: EPC Talent Skills Drive Success
- Wikipedia: Engineering
- Oil and Gas Middle East: OPEC Plans Production Adjustment
- Google Search: Engineering Procurement Construction
- ENR: Worley Wins EPC Contract for ExxonMobil Texas Hydrogen Facility
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hydrogen
- Business Wire: Audubon Chosen for FPU Engineering on BP Kaskida Project
- Google News: Energy Diversification Middle East
Author: Construction CA News
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