The Ministry of Labour in Oman has opened registration for 1,195 vocational training programmes for the academic year 2026-2027. The programmes are available across seven branches of vocational colleges located in the wilayats of Al Seeb, Saham, Sur, Ibri, Shinas, Al Buraimi, and Salalah. Registration will remain open until September 19.
Dr. Shafiq bin Darwish al Abri, Director of the Department of Student Affairs and Vocational Partnerships, explained that these programmes are designed to equip job-seekers holding Tenth and Eleventh Grade certificates with practical and specialized skills. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s efforts to provide clear and progressive vocational training paths that enhance beneficiaries’ readiness for the labour market.
The vocational efficiency programmes blend applied knowledge with professional practice by offering a wide range of technical and vocational specializations. Trainees can select from fields tailored to their interests and abilities, supporting the development of a professional foundation to be built upon in subsequent training stages.
The available specializations include welding and metal fabrication, maintenance and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning units, light vehicle repair and maintenance, furniture carpentry, operational mechanics, painting and decoration, auto body repair and painting, electrical and water plumbing extensions, electronic device maintenance, food manufacturing techniques, as well as cosmetology and hairdressing specifically for female trainees.
According to capacity distribution data, five specializations constitute approximately 74.6 percent of the total trainee slots. Welding and metal fabrication lead with a capacity for 260 trainees, followed by refrigeration and air conditioning maintenance and repair with 202, light vehicle repair and maintenance at 155, furniture carpentry with 145, and operational mechanics at 130 trainees.
Among the branches, the Al Seeb college holds the highest capacity, accommodating 270 trainees. Dr. al Abri emphasized that the core value of these programmes is imparting foundational skills and providing a structured progression. Trainees initially receive the Vocational Efficiency Certificate (1) at a limited-skills level after the first academic year before advancing to the second year for the Vocational Efficiency Certificate (2), which is awarded at a skilled level. Throughout their training, participants are also eligible for a monthly financial allowance.