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- The OQ Graduate Development Program in Oman plans to educate 200 young engineers by the year 2025.
- The energy company provides paid training and employment in Muscat.
- Candidates may submit their applications starting April 1, 2025 until the submission deadline of May 15, 2025.
Overview of Oman’s OQ Graduate Development Program
Young Omanis looking to enter the energy sector will find the 2025 OQ Graduate Development Program in Oman to be an exceptional opportunity since it provides practical training and direct employment pathways with OQ, the Sultanate’s integrated energy conglomerate. The Muscat-based initiative reaches out to 200 newly graduated engineering, IT, and business professionals by offering a 12-month paid program combining classroom instruction with practical projects such as gas plant optimization in Fahud and logistics management at Sohar’s refineries. From April 1 to May 15 in 2025 applications will be open according to OQ’s yearly recruitment schedule available at www.oq.com.
Under Vision 2040 Oman’s oil-dependent economy is working towards diversification with OQ leading through the management of assets from upstream drilling to downstream plastics. Since its inception in 2019 when OQ formed from nine merged firms the Graduate Development Program has placed more than 500 graduates into positions including process engineers who earn 800 OMR monthly. The program will broaden its scope in 2025 to include renewable energy tracks like hydrogen production to align with Oman’s $30 billion renewable energy investment commitment. The article explains the program’s success factors and details its operational methods while providing insights into participant experiences in Oman’s capital city of Muscat.
Reasons Behind the Success of the OQ Graduate Development Program
A Gateway to Oman’s Energy Sector
The OQ Graduate Development Program offers graduates exclusive access to Oman’s dominant energy industry. Since its establishment in 2019 OQ has gained control over $28 billion in assets which include both the Duqm Refinery and an oil production capability of 2.5 million barrels every day. Graduates gain a unique opportunity to participate in enormous projects including the $8 billion Duqm complex which will reach full operational capacity by 2026. The 2024 program saw 180 graduates achieve completion where 85% secured permanent positions with OQ or Shell Oman and earned monthly salaries between 700-1,000 OMR which surpassed Oman’s average wage of 350 OMR. The 2025 cohort aims for 200 participants and dedicates 30% of the spots to women to support gender equity objectives.
Its hands-on approach sets it apart. This program provides real-world experience since trainees work on operational tasks like valve calibration at Mina Al Fahal and software debugging at Sohar’s aromatics plant. OQ’s partnerships with BP help participants access world-class standards. The program’s 2024 graduate achieved a 10% flaring reduction at the Qarn Alam location which resulted in annual savings of $2 million. This program serves as a vital career stepping stone for young Omanis since the country’s youth unemployment rate remains steady at 13%.
Aligning with Vision 2040 Goals
The 2019 Vision 2040 strategic plan targets reducing Oman’s oil-dependent GDP share to 39% by 2040 while the OQ Graduate Development Program plays a pivotal role. Since 70% of Omanis are younger than 30 years old training them becomes essential because OQ’s program helps fulfill the 90% Omanization goal for private-sector employment. The 2025 hydrogen and solar technology programs reflect the development of Oman’s $5 billion Salalah green hydrogen initiative that will generate 150,000 tons annually by 2027. The training program prepares students to build pipelines by merging conventional oil industry expertise with sustainable development practices.
The ripple effects are real. Daily crude exports increased by 50,000 barrels at Ras Markaz due to logistical changes implemented by a 2023 group according to OQ’s yearly report. Graduates from OQ establish startups including a renewable consultancy from a 2022 graduate which operates in Muscat and holds a current valuation of 1 million OMR. The program connects training with national goals to reshape Oman’s economic foundation and serves as a blueprint for Gulf states planning comparable transitions.
Details of the OQ Graduate Development Program
Program Structure and Benefits
The OQ Graduate Development Program in 2025 begins July 2025 and runs for 12 months full-time. It splits into three phases: The program starts with three months of classroom training that covers safety and technical skills followed by six months of on-site rotations at sites like the Khazzan gas field and ends with three months focused on capstone projects such as streamlining Duqm’s crude flow. Participants receive 400 OMR every month during the training phase which increases to 700-800 OMR after hiring along with health benefits and 30 days’ annual leave. Applicants must have Omani citizenship and complete a relevant bachelor’s degree between 2023 and 2025 with a minimum 2.5 GPA out of 4.0 while demonstrating English proficiency through an IELTS 5.5 score or equivalent.
It’s intensive but rewarding. Participants rotate across OQ’s 11 subsidiaries which include upstream rigs and downstream plastics production at Liwa. Solar panel specifications for Salalah was a project focus for 40% of trainees in 2024 as they developed green initiatives. Those who complete the program receive job offers while 15% of graduates pursue further education at graduate schools through OQ sponsorship. The careers.oq.com platform handled 1,200 applications for 180 positions in 2024. The program becomes more attractive because Oman is projected to have 2% GDP growth in 2025.
Success Story: Ahmed’s Experience
Ahmed Al Balushi demonstrates the successful results of the program as a participant from Sohar in 2023. He joined the program after being jobless for a year with his mechanical engineering degree from Sultan Qaboos University (2022 GPA of 2.8) while his fisherman father made 200 OMR each month. Ahmed completed his training at the OQ headquarters in Muscat before moving on to Fahud to solve pump problems at a well producing 1,200 barrels per day. The capstone project Ahmed completed cut downtime by 20% which led to him obtaining a 750 OMR/month process engineer position in 2024. “OQ gave me purpose,” he says.
At 25 years old Ahmed resides in Muscat’s Al Khuwair area where he consistently saves 300 OMR each month to purchase a car. The hot 45°C shifts during his Fahud work period created his determination while a BP mentor instructed him in predictive maintenance which is now standard practice at his site. He uses OQ’s alumni WhatsApp platform to guide 2025 candidates on how to master Excel as it provides his interview advantage. Ahmed’s climb mirrors the program’s promise: The program develops practical skills that lead to actual employment opportunities while establishing participants in Oman’s developing landscape.
Steps to Apply for the OQ Graduate Development Program
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application window for the OQ Graduate Development Program opens April 1, 2025 at careers.oq.com. Begin application with Omani ID and email registration followed by uploading your academic records and CV along with a 300-word personal statement detailing your interest in energy. There is no application fee because a clean record check is available free of charge through ROP. All submissions must reach OQ by May 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM GST. The top candidates will be notified by June 1 and 400 selected participants will complete aptitude tests in math and logic from June 10 to June 15 at the OQ headquarters in Muscat.
Between June 20th and 25th applicants will face technical interviews which can be conducted either face to face or through Teams with Ahmed excelling by demonstrating his understanding of pump flow fundamentals. The recruitment process moves into offer stage on July 1 followed by the start of onboarding on July 15. The selection process in 2024 reduced 1,200 participants down to 180 candidates and similar selection odds can be expected. Check OQ’s X @OQ_Oman. The portal delay in 2024 resulted in delayed notification by one day. Last year 100 potential candidates failed to move forward due to incomplete documentation.
Tips for a Competitive Edge
The OQ Graduate Development Program demands standout personal statements which connect Oman’s energy transition toward hydrogen. Fatima Al Hinai from OQ HR announced in 2024 that applicants need vision. Choose a referee who understands your abilities because a professor will always be better than a general manager. To prepare for tests OQ’s 2023 materials on www.oq.com offer sample questions while Ahmed studied algebra every day. Interview tip: Understanding OQ’s assets including Duqm’s 230,000-barrel capacity impressed the interview panel.
Candidates must submit their applications before April 15 because May’s application surge overloaded 2024’s website and prevented 50 people from accessing it. Access insider details by participating in OQ’s webinar on April 5 through www.oq.com. Field experience—like a Nizwa internship—trumps grades. Network on LinkedIn—search “OQ Graduate”—for mock runs. The early bird gets the spot when 1,000 applicants compete for 200 openings.
Life in Oman for Program Participants
For OQ trainees 2025 promises a tranquil yet productive experience in Oman. The program pay supports Muscat residents who live in Al Ghubra flats that cost 500 OMR per month but cooking weekly at 50 OMR is cheaper than buying shawarmas for 15 OMR. Summer temperatures reach 40°C while winter falls to 20°C so an AC becomes necessary. Public bus fares stand at 0.5 OMR for each trip while taxis charge 5 OMR. OQ covers healthcare costs for participants so Muscat Private clinics handle sprains quickly.
It’s calm but vibrant.
Trainees take hiking trips to Jebel Shams and surf at Al Bustan while enjoying 2 OMR qahwa at Bait Al Luban. Muscat maintains low crime rates making it safer than Dubai but GPS becomes essential during desert drives. Omanis are welcoming—Friday majlis chats build bonds. Ahmed enjoyed Muttrah Souq’s lively atmosphere though he longed for Sohar’s serenity. This place serves as an excellent starting point for professional development.
Conclusion
The OQ Graduate Development Program in Oman opens in 2025 with 200 paid energy sector positions for graduates to apply between April 1 and May 15. This job launch program connects to Vision 2040 and you can follow updates at careers.oq.com or @OQ_Oman. Start prepping; Oman’s future awaits.
FAQ:
When’s the toughest part? Interviews—technical depth decides.
Can expats apply? No, Omani nationals only.
What’s the pay like? Begin with training at 400 OMR followed by more than 700 OMR after hiring to provide strong starting pay.
