Under the blessings of His Majesty, His Excellency the Minister of Diwan of Royal Court launches the National Youth Program for Skills Development on Tuesday 29th  2018. Applications open on 29th May at 3.00 pm and the programs start in August 2018.

His Excellency the Minister met with members of the Advisory Committee on Tuesday 29th May. During the meeting he reaffirmed that the National Youth Program for Skills and Development reflects His Majesty’s interest in and the national priority he places upon the Youth of Oman. The National Youth Program for Skills and Development is the latest National Program to be developed under the auspices of the Diwan of Royal Court which to date have delivered to Public and Private Sector leaders.

Over the next two years the National Youth Program for Skills and Development is targeting 3000 young Omanis aged between 15 and 29 years. Participants – who will be selected from across the Governates of the Sultanate – will undertake learning focussed on developing the attitudes, skills and knowledge associated with the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR). Two schemes have been launched: the first focussing on 15-17 years old; the second targeting 18-29 years old.

His Excellency Dr Ali Qassim al-Lawati confirmed that the National Programs developed by the Diwan of Royal Court have been designed intentionally to complement one another. He believes that the National Youth Program for Skills and Development now comes at an opportune moment - the Program will prepare young Omanis take maximum advantage of both the national and international opportunities presented by the 4IR.

The two schemes delivered by the National Youth Program for Skills and Development are: 

Al Nashia Scheme – this scheme targets Omanis aged between 15 and 17 years old. It is designed to deliver 4IR learning around skills such as coding, programming, critical thinking, digital media and digital citizenship. The scheme aims to unlock individual potential and provide participants with the awareness of both the challenges and opportunities that the new technologies present. The National Youth Program for Skills Development is partnering with high national and international educational institutions such as Lego Education, Firetech and Gutech.

Al Shabab Scheme– this second scheme targeting Omanis aged between 18-29 years, aims to build a large 4IR-ready community.  This scheme consists of two stages: stage one is delivered through a virtual learning platform - the first time this learning methodology has been used in the Sultanate.  Successful participants of the stage one program will achieve a Nanodegree – a new type of qualification designed specifically for 4IR skills development. Participants will be asked to select one of three Nanodegree courses. Successful completion will enable participants to apply for stage two of Al Shabab Program.

The second stage will recruit the top performers from stage one and will involve 6 weeks of modules located both in Oman and overseas. This stage will build a community focussed on 4IR citizenship and will be delivered in partnership with EPFL (Switzerland) and Nanyang Technology University (Singapore) alongside other national and international partners. Participants will be equipped with future world of work personal skills such as critical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity, negotiation skills, and cognitive flexibility alongside a broad awareness of the 4IR. 

In the style of the other National Programs, The National Youth Programs for Skills Development will follow a rigorous selection process with clear criteria and assessment. This will be delivered in partnership with an independent HR services organisation.

On this occasion His Excellency the Minister of the Diwan has sent a message encouraging young Omanis to take full advantage of this exciting opportunity, which will open the door towards a prosperous future - a future only available for those hardworking, lifelong learners. The Minister is placing his trust and hope in the Omani youth for the future of the Sultanate.