On December 19 the Graduation Ceremony for Iraqi nationals, who completed three-year Graduate Development Program of LUKOIL Mid-East Ltd. (LMEL), took part in Basra International Hotel.

The Program was designed to train and develop young graduates from local Universities and Colleges and promote them to engineer and specialist level.

The main objectives of the program were defined as following:

• Unleash potential of young graduates
• Prepare future generation of young specialists
• Create a succession pool of young specialists who will retain Company knowledge
• Support Iraqization program

In October 2015 candidates were screened by LMEL Human Recourses and Professional Development departments. To be selected into the program, graduates had to demonstrate strong academic background, English language proficiency, high motivation and the desire to learn and grow professionally within the Company.

From more than 100 candidates only 17 were selected to participate in the program. They were hired as trainees to different Company’s departments: Production, Power Operations, HR, Contracts & Procurement, HSE and Services. As part of the Program, LMEL HR and Professional Development Department created an Individual Development Plan and appointed experienced Mentor for each graduate.

The three-year Programme consisted of five major parts:

• Obtaining comprehensive knowledge of oil and gas industry;
• Gaining knowledge of LMEL activities;
• Developing English skills;
• Acquiring of specific knowledge and skills in particular discipline;
• Personal and professional skills development.

Training was provided both at the workplace and in the specialized training centers in Iraq and abroad.

12 graduates successfully completed the Program. At the final stage, they presented an Individual Research Projects to the Graduate Assessment Panel. A panel of experts consisted of LMEL top managers and BOC representatives valued high graduates’ achievements. Upon assessment, all of the graduates were assigned to designated specialist, engineer and/or a supervisor positions.

Nominations Results:

1.Best Safety Moment

Alaa Majid Hasak Al-Mayyahi / Power Operations

2.Best Individual Project

First Place: Sabah Salim Khudhair AL-Nuaim / Production

Second Place: Ahmed Hussein Naser AL-Maliki / Power Operations

Third Place: Murtadha Jalal Abdulhafedh Almakahal/ Services

3.Best Program Achievement

Alaa Majid Hasak Al-Mayyahi / Power Operations

4.Best presentation

Zahraa Yahya Amir Al-Moosawi / Services

5.Most Improved Graduate

Aqeel Muslim Saeed Al-Suwayyid / Contracts & Procurement

The Graduate Development Program was strongly supported by Basra Oil Company. BOC representatives, including Director General Assistant for Administrative Affairs Mr. Khalid Hamza Abbas took part in the closing ceremony of the Graduate Development Program. During the Ceremony all graduates were awarded with the Company recognition certificates, the nomination winners got memorable Company presents.

This Graduate Development Programme was highly appreciated by the LMEL department heads and the Company management. The representatives of the Basrah Oil Company noted the great contribution of the LUKOIL Company to the development of the local personnel potential of Iraqi young specialists.