Martens explained, “The idea came from Four Hands. They have ties with Sabic and Saudi Aramco. It’s the classic business situation of seeing a need and trying to fill it. They had the contacts, and we had the expertise. We’ll provide the curriculum, course materials, and will the train the trainers. We can also offer logistical support, such as student management software.
Martens said, “We’ll assist in setting up training and certification standards for crane operators, signallers and riggers. We’ll also be offering training and certification standards for heavy construction equipment operators.The NCCCO is strictly a US certification currently. However, we work with them closely and these courses will be based on the same standards. NCCCO are also looking at creating an international certificate.”
The meeting helped push the plans forward. Martens said, “Four Hands are going through the paperwork with the Saudi government at the moment. We had a very good meeting with Four Hands and Aramco recently. At the end of the meeting, Aramco asked when training would start: Four Hands said they expected it to take 6–7 months. Aramco said they would do what they can to speed this up.”
The Saudi course is a starting point for bigger plans. Martens said, “We’re happy to see Four Hands moving forward with this. With them, we’re looking to offer the course across the Gulf region, not just in Saudi Arabia. We’ve also been approached by the US government, on behalf of the Iraqi government, to offer training there. If we get to the point there where that is a possibility, it’s an idea with potential.”
