First Lifting Training Center Launched in Qatar

RelyOn Nutec and Sparrows Group have launched the first of their global centers of excellence for crane and lifting operations training. The Qatar center will be the first in a series of significant investments by the two industry leaders, with an overarching aim to raise the competence standards in global lifting operations.

This first center of excellence will be based at RelyOn Nutec’s Qatar training facility where full OPITO rigging and banksman accreditations have been put in place to facilitate the launch. A joint £350,000 investment will include the installation of a state-of-the-art crane simulator, which will be the only one in Qatar, allowing the center to deliver a wide range of Sparrows specialist offshore, onshore and port crane operator courses.

It is expected that the launch of the Qatar CoE will create up to five new highly skilled lifting and crane operation roles, adding to the nine specialist instructors already delivering safety critical training to the Qatar market. Once fully operational the training center will be unrivalled in Qatar, increasing access to the highest international standards available in the region.

The joint venture follows the announcement of a global strategic partnership through which RelyOn Nutec will offer Sparrows’ full portfolio of crane and lifting operations training courses via its network of worldwide training centers.

Gary Ross, regional operations manager Middle East for RelyOn Nutec, said: “We are delighted to launch the Sparrows centre of excellence at our facility in Qatar, combining our market leading safety training and competency management with Sparrows unrivalled knowledge and reputation in crane and lifting operations.

“Qatar is a key global location for lifting operations, with significant growth within multiple industries and a strong national commitment to build safer working practices. Since announcing our intent to the market, we have been contacted by many of our clients looking to utilize the CoE, we have no doubt that this new offering will be in high demand. Not only will our clients have access to the most advanced training on the market, but the combined delivery will ensure lifting operations are carried out to the highest standards and help to drive increased competency in these safety critical roles.”

Angela Birnie, global head – training, competence and technical resources at Sparrows, added: “We are already working with every single operator in Qatar and there is a recognized gap in the market for this type of advanced simulator training, so offering a full-time service here will be of huge benefit to our existing and future clients.

“Crane simulators complement training on a real crane as we can create an array of challenging and realistic scenarios in a safe environment, giving delegates the maximum benefit from their training. Simulator training helps ensure that crane and lifting operators are better prepared to deal safely with both day-to-day operations and more complex situations if they arise and are a fantastic way to validate ongoing competence.”