Yanbu Technical Institute (YTI) has joined hands with GE Oil & Gas to provide comprehensive training on a wide range of digital industrial solutions that will strengthen the skills of Saudi technical talent for enhanced career prospects in the energy industry.
Since its inception in 1989, Yanbu Colleges & Institutes have been contributing significantly to the Saudi technical workforce through advanced programmes. The partnership with GE Oil & Gas, which will leverage the global expertise of the GE Inspection Academy, will prepare Saudi technical students for the next era in digital industrial applications that are increasingly deployed in the energy sector.
Ed J Boufarah, vice president, digital solutions, Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Pakistan, GE Oil & Gas, said: “The training and development of Saudi professionals and students has been a top priority for GE Oil & Gas, which complements our long-term presence in the Kingdom of over 80 years.”
“Today, the digital industrial era has transformed the energy industry, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote economic and industrial diversification. Through our partnership with Yanbu Technical Institute, we are nurturing the new generation of technical professionals who are fully equipped to meet the needs of the industry,” added Boufarah.
Dr Othman Zakarya Barnawi, managing director, Yanbu Technical Institute, said: “For nearly three decades, we have been building the skills and talents of young Saudis, equipping them for high-quality jobs in industry. With the tremendous potential of digital solutions in industry, we believe that it is imperative for us to train our students in these newest advances in technology.”
“GE is the pioneer in digital industrial solutions, and our partnership will help us to build a strong talent pool of technical professionals who can contribute to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This delivers on our mission of providing training that shapes the future of Saudi youth,” added Barnawi.
As part of the agreement, GE Oil & Gas will work hand in hand with YTI to develop a state-of-the-art curriculum of technical courses and instructor capabilities in the field of non-destructive testing. Moreover, they will also address local market expertise shortage, such as in asset condition monitoring, industrial instrumentation and control systems. GE Digital Solutions is a market leader in both condition monitoring and non-destructive testing.
Through the partnership, YTI will be delivering the right skillsets and expertise of local talents, armed with cutting-edge technology and methodology, to meet the industrial requirements of running the operation with safety, reliability and predictivity.
With Yanbu strengthening its industrial footprint and the Kingdom focusing on digital industrial investments, the partnership will help empower Saudi nationals to develop world-class capabilities in the oil and gas sector.
