Abu Dhabi airport’s train-to-hire programme takes off

The programme is part of the Absher initiative to train and employ Emiratis.

ABU DHABI // The sky is no limit for Emiratis interested in aviation with the launch of a new graduate training programme.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company has rolled out the "Al Eqla'a" train-to-hire programme through its training arm, the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies.

It has done so as part of the Absher government initiative for training and employing Emiratis.

The focus of “Al Eqla’a”, which means “take-off” in Arabic, is to develop Emirati college and university graduates as airport professionals, providing them with the skills to work in critical roles within Abu Dhabi Airports, state news agency Wam reported.

The training programme, which is made up of a foundation and a specialisation stage, takes 18 to 24 months.

It does not just rely on classroom-based learning but also consists of on-the-job experience, with each trainee paired with a mentor.

When they have completed the programme, students will be offered a full-time paid position within Abu Dhabi Airports.

“The Absher initiative is intended to mark the establishment of a new national generation, qualified and capable of entering various fields and sectors with competence and confidence. This generation will then contribute to the march of the national economy, thus achieving economic integration within the UAE,” said Ali Majed Al Mansouri, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.

"In line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi Airports continues to play a strategic role in the diversification of Abu Dhabi's economy, and the Al Eqla'a programme will enable Abu Dhabi Airports to meet its objectives pertaining to building and developing Emirati talent that will support the growth and stability of the local aviation industry.

“Al Eqla’a also supports Tawteen and the Executive Council’s Emiratisation objectives aimed to enrich and develop local talent within various sectors of the economy.”