Dr Rashid Alammari speaking at the programme.

Qatar University’s College of Engineering (QU-CENG) has launched the second edition of the pilot “Nasmou” programme in collaboration with Silatech and Occidental Petroleum Qatar (Oxy Qatar).
More than  40 female engineering students from all CENG majors participated in the specially-designed personal training programme which ran from September 7-10, and which followed the success of the first edition held in February that engaged 40 male students.
In the programme, national students at CENG were equipped with the necessary skills, competencies and mindset to ensure their transition into the workplace, and help them to channel better their emotions and responses, as well as overcome cultural boundaries and succeed in a multicultural environment.
The four-day workshop provided the female students with opportunities to explore out-of-the-classroom experiences in the workplace. They were also engaged in a challenge set by senior executives from Oxy Qatar who mentored them in coming up with innovative solutions in response to the challenge.
On completion of the programme, selected students will be offered an internship opportunity at Oxy Qatar to further strengthen and apply the skills they gained during the workshop.
Commenting on the programme, CENG Dean Dr Rashid Alammari said: “It serves to highlight the stimulating learning environment at CENG and continuous efforts by the college to promote active learning initiatives that take students beyond the classroom into the real world of work. Participating in a programme such as Nasmou motivates our students towards their career and enhances their soft skills to be competitive in the fast-developing labour market. It also spotlights QU’s ongoing mission to shape future leaders and professionals who will actively contribute to the country’s stated ambitions in developing a knowledge-based economy.”
Silatech Qatar Country Operations Manager Sheikha Alanoud bint Hamad al-Thani said: “The Nasmou programme is designed to complement the academic rigour of a university education with a focus on the more intangible “soft skills” that help to ease the transition from school to work. This fits well with Silatech’s mission to help young people prepare for the workplace. Nasmou also exemplifies the type of co-ordination between the private sector, academia and non-profit institutions that is necessary to produce the type of high-quality graduates which can meet the demands of Qatar’s economy.”
Oxy Qatar President and General Manager Stephen Kelly said: “Oxy Qatar is very pleased to partner with Qatar University and Silatech for the second time to support Nasmou programme. Programmes such as Nasmou provide students the opportunity to explore real-life experience in the workplace.”