Simian Skill International and National Training Institute (NTI) part of the Babcock International Group have joined forces in order to gain CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) accreditation for their new centre in the Sultanate of Oman.

CISRS Manager Dave Mosley traveled to Oman back in April for a pre-accreditation visit, Simian/NTI took the decision to source a new location for their new CISRS OSTS practical facility, which is adjacent to another of NTI’s training establishments in the Ghala Industrial Area of Muscat.

NTI Business Development Manager Mohammed Atif Uzzaman commented: “NTI Oman are proud to be working in association with Simian Skills and to become the first CISRS approved training centre in the capital (Muscat) which can offer scaffolding programmes that meet PDO’s revised criteria. We are committed to offering world class learning solutions to the Omani market,” said NTI Business Development Manager Mohammed Atif Uzzaman.

In a press release CISRS say, The training centre has been fitted out to a very high specification, Simian/NTI has gone to considerable expense to provide new materials and equipment for the centre audit which took place on 9th/10th of August. The new centre boasts newly fitted out air-conditioned classrooms and an on-site restaurant ensure that delegates will enjoy a very comfortable training experience. The investment in the facility has paid off as the centre has gained approval to deliver the following CISRS OSTS courses Level 1, Level 2, Basic Scaffold Inspection and Scaffolding Supervisor training.

Ian Fyall Operations Director for Simian Skill added: “Simian has partnered a reputable worldwide company in NTI who are part of the Babcock Group. We look forward to working together delivering quality scaffold training in the region for years to come. The centre is in pristine condition and it shows the commitment of both companies to deliver a quality product.”

The first courses will start in a matter of days, with a waiting list for CISRS scaffolder training already building up. Initial courses will be delivered by experienced Simian Instructors Andy Sharp and Abid Gul, who will train and mentor local instructors until they are suitably qualified and experienced to deliver OSTS courses themselves.

Dave Mosley CISRS Manager said: “Congratulations to Simian/NTI. They have created an excellent facility here in Oman, they have been very keen to come on board with the CISRS OSTS scheme and already have a number of clients seeking CISRS training, we wish them every success in this venture.”