Diverse teams collaborating on a megaproject in the Gulf oil and gas sector.
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.
The oil and gas sector is a vital component of energy infrastructure development in the Middle East, providing significant economic value and job opportunities. In recognition of the growing demand for skilled professionals in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) teams, the Association for Project Management (APM) has initiated foundational project qualifications aimed at enhancing capabilities in this dynamic field.
With the rapid evolution of the energy landscape, there is an increasing necessity for fundamental project qualifications designed to bridge gaps in technical and soft skills among EPC professionals. These foundational qualifications help improve the performance of those working within large, cross-functional project teams, thereby fostering a more effective and cohesive work environment.
The primary focus of APM’s initiative revolves around the Project Fundamentals Qualifications (PFQs), which emphasize essential project principles such as communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Through these qualifications, APM aims to create clarity and accountability while promoting a shared project language across diverse roles and cultural backgrounds.
To further advance this initiative, APM is forming new partnerships with academic institutions in the region, including a collaboration with Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai. This partnership seeks to integrate the APM qualifications into academic curricula, enabling students to gain access to industry-recognized skills and connect with a global professional network, thus enhancing their readiness for future roles in project management.
The urgency for skilled project management professionals is compounded by the Gulf governments accelerating their energy diversification plans. These initiatives necessitate enhanced coordination among multilingual and multidisciplinary teams engaged in megaprojects, which often involve complex public-private partnerships and intricate supply chains.
Beyond technical expertise, project professionals are increasingly required to possess strong interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of governance, and an awareness of delivery frameworks, all of which promote alignment among diverse teams. APM’s PFQ, while an introductory qualification, significantly aids in nurturing these core capabilities critical for success in project management.
While there is a growing demand for project management talent, hurdles such as the need for deep sector knowledge limit the ability of skilled professionals from other sectors to transition into this field. Traditional training programs often fall short of reflecting the regulatory, digital, and sustainability skills essential for navigating modern energy projects. Furthermore, language and cultural barriers can present significant challenges within multinational environments.
To address these challenges, APM is piloting its PFQ in Arabic, aiming to enhance training accessibility for early-career professionals and non-English-speaking project staff. The delivery of training in Arabic fosters better understanding and inclusivity within project teams, making it an important step toward addressing the diverse needs of the workforce.
In addition to language inclusion, APM is committed to investing in research and knowledge-sharing initiatives focusing on critical areas such as neurodiversity, women in leadership roles, and the promotion of diverse project teams. This approach reflects APM’s commitment to cultivating a project community that mirrors the environments they serve.
Despite the potential for growth, rigid organizational structures in traditional energy companies can impede career advancement in project management. Recognizing this, APM underscores the importance of establishing accessible and inclusive training frameworks supported by industry collaboration to overcome these challenges.
Achieving successful project delivery, particularly in high-stakes megaprojects, hinges on the presence of qualified personnel. Professional certification serves to standardize best practices and equips individuals to effectively manage complexities and engage stakeholders. APM’s focus on localization of training is viewed as a vital step toward attaining energy transition goals in the region.
As the Gulf continues to prioritize energy diversity and infrastructural enhancement, equipping professionals with essential project skills from early stages becomes critical. By removing language barriers and aligning qualifications with workforce strategies, APM’s initiatives aim to cultivate a robust pipeline of project leaders who are prepared to meet the demands of the evolving energy landscape.
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