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 Initiates Foundations for Enhancing EPC Skills in Gulf Oil and Gas Megaprojects

The oil and gas sector is a fundamental contributor to the energy infrastructure growth in the Middle East, driving the need for high-quality project management skills. Recognizing this necessity, the Association for Project Management (APM) is taking significant steps to enhance the capabilities of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) teams in the region. APM is focusing on the introduction of foundational project qualifications aimed at bridging gaps in both technical and soft skills, which are critical for success in large-scale projects.

To address these challenges, APM is broadening access to recognized industry certifications and establishing new academic partnerships across the Gulf. Foundational qualifications are designed to elevate the efficiency of individuals engaged in cross-functional project teams, emphasizing essential project principles, communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. This drive towards improved qualifications aims to cultivate clarity, accountability, and a cohesive project language that resonates across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.

As governments in the Gulf prepare to accelerate their energy diversification plans, the need for effective coordination among multilingual and multidisciplinary teams becomes increasingly important. Megaprojects, which often involve intricate public-private partnerships and joint ventures, demand professionals who possess not only technical knowledge but also robust interpersonal skills and governance insights. The emphasis on a shared understanding of project delivery frameworks is essential for ensuring alignment among various stakeholders.

APM’s Project Fundamentals Qualifications (PFQs) serve as an introductory platform to help individuals develop core competencies in project management. As part of its strategy, APM has formed a partnership with Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai. This collaboration aims to weave APM qualifications into the academic curriculum, thereby enhancing student access to recognized skills and establishing connections with a global network of professionals.

There is a growing demand for talent in project management, yet significant barriers remain. Professionals seeking to enter from other sectors often face obstacles related to the depth of sector-specific knowledge required in the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, traditional training programs frequently fall short in addressing the regulatory, digital, and sustainability skills needed in modern energy projects.

Language and cultural challenges also persist within multinational project environments. APM is responding by piloting training in Arabic, an initiative that fosters inclusivity and makes the training more accessible for early-career professionals and non-English-speaking project staff. The delivery of qualifications in Arabic facilitates clearer comprehension among participants, which is vital for effective teamwork.

Beyond language initiatives, APM is actively investing in research and knowledge-sharing projects that focus on neurodiversity, the representation of women in leadership roles, and the cultivation of diverse project teams. This commitment reflects a dedication to building a project community that mirrors the environments in which they operate, reinforcing the importance of diversity in all project facets.

Legacy energy companies often feature rigid organizational structures that can impede career growth in project management. Addressing this, APM advocates for the development of accessible and inclusive training frameworks. Collaborations within the industry are considered essential for achieving better training outcomes, as professional certification has been linked to enhanced project delivery, especially in high-stakes megaproject scenarios.

Standardizing best practices through certification equips professionals with the tools needed to manage complexity and engage effectively with stakeholders. As the region seeks to transition and innovate in energy delivery, qualified personnel will be vital in maintaining coherence and order throughout every project phase.

Recognizing the need for localized training, APM is pursuing greater availability of Arabic-language qualifications. This initiative is expected to improve participation rates, particularly in the context of UAE’s nationalization objectives. Companies aiming to meet Emiratisation goals stand to benefit from an increased number of nationals equipped for project management roles.

By tackling language hurdles and aligning qualifications with workforce strategies, the region can cultivate a strong pipeline of capable project leaders. The future of energy delivery in the Gulf hinges not just on infrastructure and capital investment, but significantly on the enhancement of human capacity. Equipping individuals with essential project skills from early stages is crucial to meeting the evolving demands of this dynamic industry.

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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