Dr. Devisetty Gopala Krishna., OJT Co-ordinator of the Department of Applied Sciences explaining the different features of the OJT

Basing on the courses being offered by various specializations at the Department of Applied Sciences, the relevant technical skills developed in the class rooms and laboratories are mapped to the much needed employability skills of various industries in the public and private sectors in Sultanate of Oman.  The On Job Training program (OJT) offered to the students by the department is carefully planned after identifying and categorizing almost 140 Government and private Institutions, laboratories, hospitals and research centers, into various groups for allotting a preferred OJT place to the aspiring students of a particular specialization. Many of the OJT places given to the students are run by Ministries of environment and climate affairs, ministry of commerce & Industry, ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources, Ministry of Health, ministry of Agriculture, ministry of Defense, Engineering Services, Ministry of Fisheries, Royal Oman Police, Sultan Qaboos University and Oman Medical College. The OJT placements are also done in companies like National Detergent Company, National Pharmaceutical Industries, National Biscuit Industries Ltd. (NABIL) and Oman Aviation Services Co.  The departmental council consisting of four heads of sections and headed by the HoD, Dr. Mohammed Ali Oueslati established a perfect system of “On Job Training Program” by constantly guiding, motivating and encouraging Dr. Devisetty Gopala Krishna, OJT Co-ordinator of the Department of Applied Sciences and his team at the department of applied sciences.

Glimpses from presentation on 25 & 29 -10-2018

 As a part of regular yearly activities conducted at the Department of Applied Sciences by the Departmental Staff Development Committee and OJT committee, orientation programs on OJT activities for the academic year 2018-19 were conducted on the procedures to be followed during the OJT training for the second semester of AY 2018-19 to the Applied Chemistry students from 9.30 am to 10.30 am and for Applied Biology & Environmental Sciences students from 10.30 to 11.30 am on 25.10.2018 in the Seminar Room (M-316) of the Applied Sciences Department.  The orientation for the Academic Advisors for the second semester was undertaken on 29.10.2018 in the Seminar Room (M-316) from 10.30 to 11.30 am.

For the first semester of AY 2018-19 the orientations for students were conducted in HCT Auditorium on 10.06.2018, from 9.00 am to 11.00am. All the orientation programs in the two semesters were conducted by Dr. Devisetty Gopala Krishna a faculty member of Applied Chemistry section and the present OJT coordinator of the Department of Applied Sciences. He is supported by Dr. Dinesh Bheeman, a faculty member of Applied Biology section and Mr. Mohammed Zakir Hussain, a faculty member of Environmental Sciences section.

Glimpses from presentation on 25 & 29 -10-2018

The following objectives of OJT that were highlighted during these orientation sessions:

• The new guidelines for the faculty about the eligibility criteria regarding the TOEFL and IELTS scores for various intakes before and after September-2016 and the eligibility for the current intake are discussed.
• Strategies for enhancing the work experience for the students during the OJT training in realizing new skills are presented with special stress on how to make them apply what they have learned in the college.
• The students are motivated to generate interest in the on-going industrial and commercial activities in the Sultanate of Oman.
• The students are briefed about how to prepare themselves to work efficiently in their jobs after the training.
• Strategies are explored on how to create a two-way link between the industries/establishments and the Colleges of Technology so as to utilize the trained manpower in the progress of the country.

The OJT team at the department of applied sciences headed by Dr. Devisetty Gopala Krishna also informed the students and faculty gathered during these orientations about their success in establishing the contacts with almost 140 private and government organizations for the OJT placements. The students were also informed that, if any student approach a company or organization on their own must for getting a OJT placement, should start the OJT training within 15 days from their registration. If for any reasons, they cannot join the company or organization of their choice, then they have to join the organization or the company allotted by OJT team of the department or the student affairs.

The interaction of the students and faculty during these orientations with the OJT team was very good and these activities met all the requirements and objectives for what they are conducted. The question and answer sessions were lively and the OJT team was successful in answering the questions raised by the students and faculty members.

Dr. Devisetty Gopala Krishna and the other members of the OJT team of the department of applied sciences expressed their profound thanks to Dr. Mohammed Ali Oueslati, Head of the Department of Applied Sciences, all the Heads of sections, Head of the OJT central team at the students affairs, and all the other departmental colleagues, especially all the OJT team members and Dr. C. Rama Chandra Prabhu, Head of Staff Development Committee for their active support and co-operation.

This activity was conducted by department of applied sciences in order to meet the partial requirements of Goal-8 of the strategic plan: “We will provide facilities and learning resources that are effectively utilized and well-managed to ensure efficient student and staff services”.

Basic Write-Up by:
Dr. D. Gopala Krishna

Edited and Enhanced by:
Dr. C. Rama Chandra Prabhu

Photos credit:
Mr. Ulyssess Andres