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TRAINING
Like all enterprises, a pipeline depends for
successful operation upon people - the work force which operates and
maintains the complex equipment. The Tapline team of 1,081 people
performs a wide variety of jobs, each of which is important in the
moving of oil. In the development of this valuable group, training has
been the dominant factor. But the development of people is a
never-ending process, and Tapline, to remain competitive in the oil
transportation business, places even greater emphasis on training as a
major objective for the future.
The prime goal of training in Tapline is the
development of nationals in their own countries. The training program
has concentrated on this goal, and will continue to do so. As a
result, nationals are steadily rising to better jobs, and are steadily
replacing foreigners.
By far the most successful training method is
on-the-job instruction and experience. Employees in all four countries
have shown a marked ability to develop new skills, new techniques, new
methods. When placed in training positions with skilled supervision,
they learn quickly. Every Tapline supervisor is fully aware that the
development of people is a basic responsibility and a requirement of
his job: therefore, on-the-job training gets constant attention.
To assist supervisors, many jobs are divided
into a series of training steps. Each step lists certain skills which
must be learned before the next step is attempted. In this way, an
orderly progression is maintained, and the training proceeds in an
organized pattern. Each series of steps leads to a whole job.
In addition to on-the-job training, Tapline
maintains four
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development schools, one at each main pump station. Attendance is on a
voluntary basis. At the end of 1960, nearly 200 employees were
attending development school classes.
Careful selection of employees is important in
developing a capable employee group. Tapline has been fortunate in its
recruitment as well as successful in its training program. The
combination of careful selection and intensive training has produced
results in which the company takes pride. Of the more than 965 Arab
employees of Tapline, many hold key positions as professional men,
supervisors, technicians, skilled mechanics, specialists in various
fields. But the training effort cannot stop-it must go on, with
increased emphasis and greater importance.
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