On Feb. 18, Mubadala Aerospace (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.) revealed that it had signed an AED 4.9 million ($3.334 million) agreement with UAE University (UAEU) to train the next generation of Emirati technicians to work at Mubadala's aircraft composite production subsidiary, Strata Manufacturing. The new initiative, with key modules delivered by professional trainers from Lockheed Martin (Bethesda, Md.), builds on the success of existing programs, which have already resulted in the employment of over 95 Emirati staff at Strata over the past two years.
In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, minister of higher education and scientific research and the chancellor of UAEU, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, managing director/CEO of Mubadala Development Co., the agreement was signed by Homaid Al Shemmari, executive director of the Mubadala Aerospace business unit, and Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, vice-chancellor of UAE University during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
Al Nahayan said, “As part of the U.A.E.’s commitment to growth and diversification, UAE University is putting in place strong partnerships with local and international companies and institutions, to ensure that we best prepare our students to contribute to the nation’s ongoing success.”
“By working with these esteemed partners, the university, which occupies a leading position among world universities in terms of its education and research capabilities, can provide high-quality training programs across key industry sectors that meet the needs of infrastructure services, and the economic and social development in the U.A.E.," said Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi. "Our training program with Mubadala Aerospace is a perfect addition to our existing courses.”
“The cooperative partnership between the University and Mubadala Aerospace will open up new opportunities for young people as they explore how they can play a role in the industry’s future, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration and success, Al Noaimi added. "The university is committed to developing programs to the highest global standards and specifications, as we plan for the future requirements of the local and international labor market, and allow young people to fulfill their aspirations."
Al Shemmari commented, “Mubadala Aerospace is proud to support the growth of U.A.E. nationals through this new facility and program, allowing talented young students to fulfill their potential by becoming an integral part of the U.A.E.’s growing global aerospace industry. Aligning with UAE University and Lockheed Martin will ensure our students receive international standards of education and training, and most importantly are equipped with the skills to allow Strata to continue to deliver to the highest standards for its partners and customers across the globe.”
This program will introduce an additional 90 to 100 Emirati employees to Strata by early 2015, using the high level technical skills gained to construct composite parts for the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Airbus (Toulouse, France) and The Boeing Co. (Chicago, Ill.). Hosted in a state-of-the-art facility built at UAE University, equipped with the tools used in the working Strata environment, students will also receive essential training in math and sciences to ensure they are fully prepared to develop their careers in the high-tech aerospace industry.
Based in Al Ain and founded in 1976 as the UAE's first national university. As an accredited comprehensive research-based institution, UAEU provides solutions to support the UAE and, through its global partners, the wider world.
Upon completion of the program, Strata will offer all successful trainees full-time employment, with continued structured training and support as they progress their careers in the aerospace industry.
To learn more about Mubadala Aerospace or the Mubadala Development Co. visit the Web site: www.mubadala.ae.
For additional information, please contact, Kinana Sarrage, H+K Strategies; E-mail: kinana.sarrage@hkstrategies.com.
