Wood Reaches Milestone with 500th Iraqi Employee, Strengthening Commitment to Local Workforce and Sustainable Energy Solutions

Wood Reaches Milestone with 500th Iraqi Employee, Strengthening Commitment to Local Workforce and Sustainable Energy Solutions

(IN BRIEF) Wood has reached a milestone by hiring its 500th Iraqi national employee, further solidifying its commitment to building a sustainable workforce in Iraq’s energy sector. The 500th employee, Rehab Zubaid, joined as an Administration Assistant, reflecting the company’s dedication to local talent. Wood continues to invest in training and development opportunities through initiatives like the Basra Graduate Programme and the Basra Design Academy, aimed at enhancing the skills of the Iraqi workforce. The company is also set to launch the Basra Technical Training Centre in 2025. Through partnerships with TotalEnergies and other local projects, Wood is providing Iraqis with career opportunities in various disciplines, contributing to the country’s long-term prosperity.

(PRESS RELEASE) ABERDEEN, 6-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Wood has reached a significant milestone with the recruitment of its 500th Iraqi national employee, reinforcing the company’s commitment to developing a sustainable and local workforce to support Iraq’s growing energy sector.

The milestone employee, Rehab Zubaid, joined Wood as an Administration Assistant, her background and experience making her an ideal fit for the role. Reflecting on her journey, Rehab shared, “Being the 500th Iraqi employee at Wood is a true honor. Joining the company has been an incredible experience of growth. From day one, I’ve been inspired by the supportive culture and the dynamic environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. Working in Basra, I’ve had the chance to engage with fantastic colleagues and contribute to impactful projects, all while enhancing my professional skills and thriving personally. I’m proud to be part of a company that values its people and their potential.”

Wood’s engagement with Iraq dates back a decade, when Osama Mousa Lazim became the first Iraqi employee. Today, Osama serves as Iraq Manager – Business Development and Growth. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “As the first Iraqi to join Wood, I’m incredibly proud to see how our vision has grown. This milestone reflects the expansion of our business and the development of local talent in Iraq. Together, we have created a foundation of excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth, and I’m excited to continue leading our team into a prosperous future.”

Wood is deeply committed to fostering local talent and offers various training programs to support the increasing number of energy projects in the region. The Basra Graduate Programme, which earned the 2024 Oil and Gas Middle East Talent Programme of the Year award, offers a four-year, multidisciplinary engineering approach, combining on-the-job training with classroom-based education. Since its launch in 2016, the program has successfully recruited 73 graduates, many of whom have advanced to senior engineering roles.

In addition, the Wood Basra Design Academy was created to further the careers of design engineers, offering a 12-month training plan that helps locals acquire both technical skills and critical business knowledge. The program has successfully retained many trainees, resulting in full-time positions within various projects.

The new Basra Technical Training Centre (BTTC), which is set to launch its first full cohort in June 2025, will provide further opportunities for local professionals. The BTTC classrooms are already operational, offering accredited courses through the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).

Throughout 2024, Wood partnered with TotalEnergies to host five recruitment days, hiring 48 Iraqis for various roles across disciplines such as HSE, logistics, quality, and welding. These initiatives are part of Wood’s broader effort to invest in comprehensive training and professional advancement, further enhancing Iraq’s energy workforce while contributing to the region’s long-term prosperity.

Wood has been operating in Iraq for over 90 years, currently employing around 850 people, and continues to provide engineering solutions to clients across the country.

Media Contact:

press.office@woodgroup.com

SOURCE: John Wood Group PLC