DOHA: A group of 14 young Qatari professionals at Maersk Oil Qatar have become the first graduates of its Qatari Development Programme (QDP).
The two-year rotational programme is designed to support Qataris in the early stages of their career, with the aim of helping them become future leaders in the energy industry.
The QDP provides Qatari employees with structured developmental support through a variety of intensive training modules and on-the-job support.
It helps develop the attributes of successful managers of the future, with sessions focused on time and people management, group dynamics, strategic planning and financial management. Participants also rotate in up to three different departments in Qatar’s largest offshore oil operator, to broaden their experience and expose them to a variety of career options.
Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al Thani, Deputy Managing Director, Maersk Oil Qatar said: “We are committed to making a real and meaningful contribution to Qatar for generations to come. Dedicated programmes like our Qatari Development Programme not only help develop the brightest Qatari talent, they also support our highly-specialised work in developing Qatar’s Al Shaheen oilfield – a unique and complex national asset.”
Noora Al Ansari, Acting Head of Qatarisation at MOQ said, “The Qatari Development Programme is yet another example of Maersk Oil Qatar’s commitment to Qatarisation. We continue to provide Qatari nationals with real jobs with real responsibilities, supported by the training and mentoring to help them succeed in achieving their career goals”.
The QDP was launched in 2013 in support of Maersk Oil Qatar’s Qatarisation Strategy, which outlines the company’s commitment to increasing both the number of Qatari nationals in the workforce and those in leadership, specialist and offshore positions. In May 2015, the strategy’s success was recognised with a prestigious award from the Energy and Industry Sector’.
Alanoud Al Heedan, a recent graduate of the programme, praised her experience in the QDP: “The training I received over the past two years taught me how to apply the concepts learned at university to real-world situations. I received exposure to a variety of scenarios in a supportive learning environment, with dedicated coaches who supported me every step of the way. The programme has built my confidence in my approach to work and helped cement my plans for the future.”
The QDP was established after an exhaustive study found that employees early in their career benefitted from intensive support and guidance by specialist development coaches. The QDP is tailor-made for the specific needs of MOQ and employees; guided by its company values and organisational culture.
The Peninsula
