Qatalum has successfully concluded its 2011 Summer Internship Programme for students from Qatar University, Texas A&M University in Qatar, the UK-based University of Teesside and Qatar Technical Independent High School in line with Qatar’s long-term economic diversification strategy. The programme, which formed part of Qatalum’s Qatarisation initiatives, was intended to help the smelter achieve its aim of making a lasting contribution to the future growth and prosperity of Qatar, while also adding value through people development, economic diversification and sustainable processes and results. University students attended an informative eight-week programme, which started in June. The programme duration for the high school students was four weeks. Both programmes ended with a farewell ceremony on August 11, where 18 students were presented with certificates of participation. During the event, Qatalum’s chief executive officer Tom Petter Johansen, his deputy Khalid Laram and Human Resources manager Waleed al-Obaidly addressed the participants who, in turn, had an opportunity to share their experiences of the programme.Johansen said: “Our Summer Internship Programme is geared towards teaching participants the basics of workplace ethics and familiarising them with our working environment. Our aim is to help build students’ skills and knowledge and, in doing so, laying the foundation for a knowledge-based aluminium industry in Qatar and the region.”He described the programme as the best way for the company to encourage young people who were interested in working in the industry and give them a hands-on skill.“Theoretical knowledge is important, but on-the-job training is also a major part of the industry, particularly when it comes to the health and safety aspects. It is our belief that by offering university and high school students the chance to receive such training, we will not only stoke their interest in the sector, but also give them something practical to build on when it comes to the theory aspects of their learning,” he said.Laram, who noted that the aluminium industry was still new in the country said Qatalum has become a successful partner with Qatar Petroleum - the energy provider - and Hydro – the technology provider, making it a prime target for students and graduates looking to join in and start their career in the aluminium industry.According to al-Obaidly, the training programme will be one among many to be offered by Qatalum in the future. Before embarking on extensive on-the-job training, the students familiarised themselves with the smelter’s various departments during a two-day basic course covering its operations, as well as health, safety and environmental regulations. They also spent a day visiting the plant’s facilities.On-the-job training undertaken during the programme included administrative functions such as data entry, mail sorting and positioning, and the scanning and filing of documents; logistics, including smelter and site layout, and products and applications; and various marketing and sales roles. The students further received training on the Qatalum Production System (QPS) principles and QPS problem solving, as well as guidance on enhancing soft skills such as interview, presentation and time management skills.