Knowledge Horizon participates at Smart Manufacturing Conference

"The most important investment that manufacturers can make is an investment in the skills of its workforce. A skilled workforce is essential for Oman's manufacturing sector to compete globally and for the sultanate to attract and retain high value added activities. Meeting the skills needs of companies and potential investors is central to the long-term competitiveness of Oman's economy,"

said Abeer Al Jasim, General Manager of Knowledge Horizon Training Centre, at PEIE's recent Smart Manufacturing Conference.

The GM goes on to say, "Certainly talent management, of which training is a central part, has become increasingly important in all kinds of business in the past few years, not just in manufacturing. The acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills by employees when properly managed and directed makes a massive contribution to business success. Making the most of knowledge and skills is what powers profit, delivers better a better product or service, achieves corporate objectives or in other words gets the job done."

Indeed, research by the Management Consultancies Association found that 61% of organisations see talent management as integral to their survival but 70% believe they need to improve their approach. According to the report a key factor in successful talent management is being able to look beyond the skills and capabilities your business needs right now and considering those you will need to survive and compete in the future.

Al Jasim feels that the impetus for training comes as much from the employees as from the employer: "In general, at all levels, there's a move to acquiring and upgrading skills and qualifications. And I'm not just talking about those working in international companies - people working for local manufacturers are putting a premium on training and skills, as well as diplomas and certificates."

Of course, the downside to a skilled and qualified workforce is that your employees become highly attractive to other companies. However, research shows that organizations face bigger costs when staff are lost because development opportunities are not offered. "True," says Al Jasim. "There used to be a culture of fear - if you train your employees, upgrade their skills and qualifications, they'll leave and take their knowledge and know-how to your rivals. If you ask me, the real problem is not training your workers and they stay. Just think of the damage that does to your business."