Sohar Aluminium officially launched its second Sohar-based training program on Sunday 11 February 2007.

42 young Omanis of the first batch of SA trainees will undergo a 6-month program, which will be based in Sohar. These trainees were recruited last year and completed a 1-year training conducted by PDO on behalf of SA on 29 January 2007.

The trainees have now started a 3-months program that entails a Sohar Aluminium introductory Training, a Bridging training consisting of technical theory and a sohar Aluminium specific training; and a specific training to the company process development.

The second three-months training will entail an on-the-job training.

These trainings will be conducted at Shinas Technology College, Rusayl Institute and Sohar Aluminium training facility.

Based on successful completion of their training, the trainees will be allocated in their areas of expertise and qualifications.

Commenting on this training program, John Thurling – Training Manager – said “We are pleased to provide professional skills to young Omanis who will eventually play a major role in the operation and maintenance of Oman’s first aluminium smelter”

Sohar Aluminium’s shareholders are Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, and Alcan. The company was established in September 2004 to construct and operate a single AP35 potline aluminium smelter with an associated power plant.

The smelter is targeted to start its first production of hot metal in 2008.