Oman Develops Vocational Training System to Prepare National Talent for Future Jobs
Muscat – Oman is strengthening its vocational training system to better align national skills development with current and future labour market requirements, as part of efforts to prepare Omani talent for emerging occupations and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The Ministry of Labour said the development of vocational training is based on continuously assessing labour market needs and anticipating economic and technological changes. The approach aims to ensure that vocational college graduates acquire the technical and practical skills required by employers and the wider national economy.
Oman’s Vocational Training Development Plan 2026–2030
The 2026–2030 Vocational Training System Development Plan represents a new phase in the development of Oman’s vocational colleges.
The plan focuses on several key areas, including:
- Aligning vocational programmes with economic priorities and labour market needs
- Strengthening practical and applied training
- Developing academic and administrative staff
- Improving institutional governance
- Upgrading infrastructure and technical equipment
- Enhancing cooperation with the private sector
- Improving the quality of vocational education and training
- Preparing trainees for emerging and future occupations
The Ministry said the updated plan contains 20 projects connected to the development programmes of Oman’s Eleventh Five-Year Plan, with OMR 20 million allocated for implementation.
From 39 Projects to a More Targeted Development Plan
The development of Oman’s vocational training system began with a joint working team established in 2021 under Ministerial Decision No. 68/2021.
A comprehensive plan prepared in 2022 included 39 projects with an estimated cost of OMR 35 million. The updated plan subsequently focused on 20 projects linked directly to national development priorities.
The Ministry said this approach will help direct available resources and investments towards areas expected to have a direct impact on training quality and labour market alignment.
Stronger Private-Sector Partnerships
One of the key priorities of Oman’s vocational training strategy is closer cooperation between vocational colleges and employers.
The private sector is expected to contribute to identifying the skills required by different industries and supporting practical training. Stronger collaboration could help narrow the gap between vocational training outcomes and the requirements of available jobs.
The Ministry also highlighted the importance of continuously reviewing programmes and curricula as technological developments create new occupations and change the skills required in existing professions.
71 Training Programmes Delivered in the First Half of 2026
Oman’s vocational colleges continued implementing training and institutional development initiatives during the first half of 2026.
According to the Ministry of Labour, the colleges delivered 71 training programmes and courses benefiting 1,062 participants. They also signed five cooperation programmes with relevant organisations and approved six institutional policies.
Other ongoing efforts include upgrading college facilities, providing computer equipment, improving occupational health and safety procedures, carrying out maintenance work and enhancing operational efficiency.
Professional Diploma and Competency Programmes
Oman’s vocational colleges offer Professional Diploma programmes across a range of specialisations for General Education Diploma graduates.
The colleges also provide Professional Competency programmes for jobseekers holding Grade 10 or Grade 11 certificates. These programmes combine theoretical learning with practical training and allow participants to develop specialised professional skills through progressive training pathways.
Supporting Oman Vision 2040
The Ministry of Labour views vocational training as an investment not only in jobseekers but also in Oman’s human capital and economic development.
The long-term vision is to create a more flexible and responsive vocational training system that connects knowledge with practical application while encouraging innovation, quality and collaboration with employers.
Through the Vocational Colleges Development Plan 2026–2030, Oman aims to strengthen national capabilities, respond to economic and technological transformation and ensure that vocational training contributes more directly to labour market needs and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Source: Oman News Agency.
