Saudi Aramco, as most other major oil companies around the world, will face a looming crisis when a large number of experienced and highly qualified engineer and earth sciences professionals are expected to retire and exit the oil industry within the next five years. In anticipation of this occurrence, the company has embarked on a number of initiatives all aimed at accelerating the development of technical competencies in young professionals to ensure a smooth “change of the guard” transition, and meet the ever-growing challenges of the future when implementation of highly complex technology will require well developed skills. To confront these significant challenges, Saudi Aramco has developed and implemented a multi-strategy approach combining fit for purpose technical courses designed to reduce specific technical competency gaps, practical work experiences, formalized mentoring programs, special cross-training assignments, specialist skills development programs, knowledge sharing systems and others. Detailed individual long-term technical development plans are prepared for all technical personnel with clearly defined targets and expectations, which are then implemented and continually monitored to ascertain progress and make adjustments whenever required. This paper elaborates on the Saudi Aramco approach, discusses results achieved to date, and shares ongoing way forward plans to strengthen the program and achieve its objectives. The successful implementation of this effort will help the company mitigate the impact of losing experienced technical personnel to retirement, and will ensure that new generations are fully prepared to face a bright and challenging future.
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