IHRDC International Qualifications

International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC)

For more than 45 years, International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC) has been a worldwide leader in training and competency development for the oil and gas industry. IHRDC offers innovative, high quality products and services that include instructional programmes, e-learning solutions, and competency management. In recent years, it has created blended learning solutions to help participants develop their skills faster.

IHRDC currently offers SVQs such as Engineering Maintenance and Processing Operations: Hydrocarbons, as well as Workplace Assessor and Internal Verifier qualifications. They employ qualified assessors and internal verifiers who cover all the technical disciplines in the oil and gas industry.

Supporting skills development

Oil and gas companies, often from OECD countries, have long led exploration and production of resources in developing economies, but haven't always hired many local nationals to carry out the work. This reduces the economic benefit to these countries, as jobs go to expatriates instead of local nationals. Many governments now require international companies to hire more local workers.

One challenge for international companies is finding local graduates with the right skills. In developing countries, educational programmes don't always meet OECD educational standards, so a gap can exist between what graduates know and what entry-level roles require. IHRDC helps close this gap. It provides training solutions and curricula and also helps oil and gas companies define what skills they need for entry-level roles. This means IHRDC can support everyone involved: international oil and gas companies, national governments, and local people seeking work.

Why IHRDC chose to work with us

IHRDC worked with us to align its competency models with our vocational standards. Consequently, graduates of IHRDC’s approved process receive an internationally recognised certificate, that meets the standard international oil companies expect. IHRDC built this into its induction programmes, working with national governments to set minimum industry standards, and helping local institutions improve their training.

Benefits

We are grateful to work with SQA, an established organisation with rigorous, internationally recognised vocational standards that have made a positive impact on the education and employment potential for many individuals. As a global training organisation, we see a distinct need to provide these same vocational qualifications to developed and developing economies — providing benefits to personnel on a much broader scale. We hope to work with clients around the world to help deliver these qualifications to our industry.

Working in Partnership

The process

IHRDC found it easy to become a centre, thanks to the friendly support from our team during the application. IHRDC already had many of the required policies and procedures in place, but the process gave them the chance to review and improve its documentation to support delivery of SVQs and other qualifications. A key benefit of this process was reviewing their documentation and Content Management System Online product, to bring them in line with our requirements, allowing for a smooth transition.

IHRDC’s future plans

IHRDC will continue to work with us, delivering SVQs as opportunities arise, and improving their CMS Online software to evaluate, train and qualify client employees. They plan to work with all industry parties, including governments, oil and gas companies, and local training institutions. By using their own resources, IHRDC believes it can help local training institutions improve their programmes and meet industry needs, contributing to economic development. IHRDC also plans to expand its range of SVQs to incorporate other disciplines and trades in the oil and gas industry.