McDermott launches Middle East graduate training program

McDermott Middle East launched a specialized on-the-job graduate training program exclusively for students from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

McDermott KSA graduates. Image from McDermott.

Beginning with its first class of 14 students, the rotational program provides selected students on-the-job training opportunities within several of McDermott’s functional departments, including engineering, fabrication, marine, supply chain, commercial and safety, both in the KSA and Dubai.

The program runs for a two-year period during which students will gain a solid understanding of McDermott’s operational functions. The program also supports career growth by empowering students to implement their skills outside the classroom and within a professional setting. Upon program completion, the students will be uniquely positioned within the company having spent time in each of McDermott’s operational functions.  At the completion of the program, each student will be assigned permanently to work within one of the operational functions that best matches their core competencies and skill sets, contributing to McDermott’s success in the Middle East region.

“As one of the oldest EPCI contractors in the Middle East, we give back to the region and our local community by investing in the career development of our future generations. Through our graduate training program, we will build and develop young talent, who bring in enthusiasm, fresh and innovative thinking, strong educational qualifications and language competencies,” Linh Austin, McDermott ‎VP and general manager, Middle East and Caspian said.

The candidate selection process was rigorous, with over 900 CVs received from career fairs and direct applications. All applicants were screened based upon engineering discipline, university ranking, and grade point average. A total of 100 candidates were selected for phone interviews, and a total of 52 candidates were shortlisted for interview. At the final screening stage, a total of 14 candidates were selected.

Fatimah Haydar, from the 2017 KSA graduate training program said: “It is a truly life changing experience, and I hope to inspire other women engineers in Saudi Arabia to improve their training, and push boundaries in the oil and gas industry.”