Ali Zakaria, Rig Operations Engineer from the Development Drilling & Work Over Team VI, recently completed an 18-month training program organized by Shell. This new achievement upholds KOC's strategic goal of training and supporting its employees wherever possible. The high-level training program included courses which taught skills and techniques related to well surveillance, power systems, drilling hydraulics, and more.
In the final exam, Zakaria achieved a score which exceeded the benchmarks set by Shell, which resulted in him being awarded with the “Shell Round 1 Certificate", which is one of the highest certificates that can be awarded in the field of Well Engineering. Zakaria aspires to obtain a “Round 2 Certificate", which would come in the form of a master's degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the Scottish city of Aberdeen.
CEO Reception
CEO Emad Mahmoud Sultan received Zakaria during a reception at the KOC Main Office, where he was presented with the “Shell Round 1 Certificate." Manager Development Drilling Group (II) Ali Al-Saleh, TL Development Drilling and Workover (VI) Mishaal Al-Khalidi, and a number of concerned officials also attended the reception.
The CEO commended the efforts put forth by Zakaria during his training period, and he encouraged other young KOC engineers to use Zakaria as an example of what was possible to achieve in their career trajectories. During the reception, the KOC CEO also thanked Shell for its distinguished efforts with KOC to develop the skills of its employees and efficiency of its operations. He also upheld the strong cooperation which exists between KOC and Shell, adding that he hoped this strategic partnership will continue long into the future for the best interest of Kuwait's oil sector and the State of Kuwait in general.
Following the reception, Zakaria discussed a number of details related to the training program. He maintained that one person from various teams across KOC were nominated for an interview with Shell, adding that he participated in the interview with other candidates and accepted the position he was offered in the program. Zakaria expressed his belief that the concepts and methodologies covered by the program are specific to the work of the Drilling Group, which aspires to raise the quality of work by raising the skillsets of engineers. He explained that the duration of the program ranges from 18 months to two years, as the material covers many topics related to Well Engineering.
Acquired Skills
Zakaria went on to say that he acquired skills and information which has helped him add value to the work he does at KOC, with the most important skills related to Rigs & Rig Equipment, Casing and Cementing, Drilling Hydraulics, Drill String Design, Well Control, Completions & Workover Operations, Slick line/E-line, and Reverse Kill methods.
He added that the program includes three locations: Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman, The Hague in the Netherlands, and Houston, Texas in the United States. After the success of the first experience, he requested that the second experience be in Muscat, due to his knowledge of the experience that could be obtained there and the competence and abilities of the Omani engineers who accompanied him in the program. He also wanted to present a good image of KOC in a neighboring and brotherly country.
Zakaria emphasized that this certificate contributes greatly to his academic achievement and practical experience, adding that it helps him in understanding the accurate processes in drilling and maintaining wells, which enables him to add quality and develop the level of his work. He also said that he received excellent support from KOC's senior officials, in addition to the continuous support and encouragement from colleagues and officials as well.
International accreditation
In terms of tests associated with the program, he explained that the preparations for the final exam began on the first day of the program, as the test is based on a large amount of information which must constantly be reviewed and understood. He added that recognition must be given to the attention and trust that he enjoyed from officials, colleagues, family and friends. The biggest responsibility, he said, was to project a positive image of the Company in neighboring countries, which he said was his biggest success.
Zakaria pointed out that this program is internationally accredited, and participating in it is a very important step for the Company in order to achieve high skillsets for employees, which in turn will lead to productivity and work quality. He encouraged his colleagues to participate, as there are those who are waiting for these opportunities and are able to pass the program with distinction. He pointed out that he aspires to achieve more success for the Company by developing its work system.
“This is the highest aspiration at the professional level for me. I would like to participate in the success of my colleagues in obtaining this certificate, if this is approved, as individual success is nothing compared to collective success," Zakaria concluded.
