APM Enhances EPC Skills for Gulf Oil and Gas Megaprojects

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.

APM Begins Work on Enhancing Skills for EPC Teams in Gulf Oil and Gas Megaprojects

The oil and gas industry remains a vital part of energy infrastructure development in the Middle East, driving considerable growth within the region. A significant initiative has recently been launched to improve the skills of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams, with an emphasis on bridging both technical and soft skills gaps. The Association for Project Management (APM) is taking the lead by expanding access to industry-recognized certifications and partnering with academic institutions in the Gulf region.

Importance of Foundational Qualifications

Foundational project qualifications are recognized as essential tools for improving the effectiveness of employees working in large, cross-functional project teams. One notable qualification, the Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ), focuses on crucial areas such as project principles, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. By prioritizing these fundamentals, APM aims to create greater clarity, accountability, and a common language among diverse roles and cultures within the workforce.

Growing Need for Coordination in Megaprojects

As governments in the Gulf accelerate their energy diversification plans, the need for effective coordination among multilingual and multidisciplinary teams is ever more critical. Megaprojects often incorporate public-private partnerships, joint ventures, and complex supply chains. Such projects necessitate more than just technical know-how; they require professionals who possess strong interpersonal skills, governance knowledge, and a joint understanding of delivery frameworks for effective alignment.

Addressing Existing Barriers

While demand for project management talent continues to grow, barriers such as the lack of sector-specific knowledge pose challenges for skilled professionals looking to transition from other industries. Traditional training programs frequently fail to address the evolving requirements for regulatory compliance, digital skills, and sustainable practices essential for contemporary energy projects. Additionally, language and cultural barriers present challenges in multinational environments, which can hinder collaboration.

Piloting PFQ in Arabic

In a notable effort to enhance inclusivity, APM is piloting the PFQ in Arabic to make training more accessible for early-career professionals and non-English-speaking project staff. Providing training in Arabic promotes a clearer understanding of essential project management concepts, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere within project teams.

Investing in Diverse Initiatives

APM’s commitment to diversity extends to research and knowledge-sharing initiatives, such as those focusing on neurodiversity, women in leadership, and the incorporation of varied project teams. This commitment aims to cultivate a rich project management community that reflects the diversity of the environments they serve.

Challenges for Legacy Energy Companies

Legacy energy companies often face rigid organizational structures that can obstruct career advancement within project management roles. Consequently, creating accessible and inclusive training frameworks is considered crucial to overcoming these challenges. Professional certification can significantly enhance project delivery outcomes, particularly in high-stakes megaprojects, standardizing best practices and preparing professionals to manage complexity while effectively engaging stakeholders.

The Role of Localization

Increasing the localization of training is viewed as a key factor in reaching energy transition goals. Arabic-language qualifications offer an opportunity to broaden participation in project management roles, especially in light of Emiratisation targets within the UAE. Organizations striving to meet these criteria benefit from a workforce better prepared for project management responsibilities.

Cultivating Future Project Leaders

By removing language barriers and aligning qualifications with workforce development strategies, the Gulf region can foster a pipeline of capable project leaders ready to tackle the energy sector’s challenges. The emphasis on equipping individuals with essential project skills from an early stage is pivotal to ensure that the future of energy delivery in the Gulf is built upon a foundation of skilled professionals, alongside necessary infrastructure and capital investments.

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