Opito will use its expertise to train local Iraqis to industry standards for work on the Majnoon project and to improve vocational training centres in Basra.

The company said it was trying to tap the potential for local workers to exploit the emerging industry and repair an economy ravaged by war.

Opito has entered into a similar, separate agreement with Petronas in Malaysia, with Opito providing a framework for national training standards.

Through a framework developed by Opito, hundreds of technicians will work wherever Petronas operates.

To keep up with the demand, Opito International doubled the size of its offices in Dubai and increased its workforce to 22, with an additional four positions to be created in the next 12 months.

John McDonald has been appointed director of international workforce development and will lead the work with Shell and Petronas.