Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) for the establishment of the HCT - Etihad Airways Centre for Education and Professional Development.

This Memorandum of Understanding is part of Etihad Airways’ mandate to introduce new opportunities in the UAE aviation sector for UAE nationals, and empower them to play an even greater role in the airline’s world-class business.

The centre will be established with the aim of developing UAE nationals and preparing them for a rewarding career in the aviation industry. Both Etihad Airways and HCT will collaborate further to develop and offer a series of professional and executive development programs

These programs will include English language training, employability skills development, academic educational programs in aviation science and management, and a variety of other vocational and work related training programs that will prepare UAE nationals to take up key roles in Etihad Airways’ expanding global network.

Ray Gammell, Etihad Airways’ Chief People and Performance Officer, said: “The most valuable asset of any organisation is its people and that’s why staff development is such a big focus for us. As the national airline of the UAE, and as part of our support of the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan as well as the Absher initiative, we are committed to training and developing a national workforce of skilled motivated Emiratis.

“As part of that commitment we are once again collaborating with the Higher Colleges of Technology to develop the capabilities, expertise and knowledge of young UAE Nationals wishing to build a career in the aviation industry.”

Etihad Airways had partnered with the HCT previously in a number of initiatives with over 120 students currently enrolled in various programs including the airline’s Graduate Engineering program, IT program and Etihad Ground Services Agents program.

HCT Vice Chancellor, Dr Tayeb Kamali, said: “We are very pleased to be continuing our long partnership with Etihad Airways, which has worked with us for many years to help train and prepare HCT’s Emirati graduates for vitally important careers in the aviation industry.

“This agreement is a clear example of the HCT adhering to the fundamental principle that strong partnerships with the community improve the learning experience of our students, thereby providing them with the opportunities to reach their full potential in the UAE workforce. As a national leader in community and industry engagement, HCT is maintaining its commitment to student growth and achievement through its strong focus on teaching and learning partnerships, such as this one.

“This partnership will enhance the HCT’s emphasis on student-centred, hands-on and work place relevant teaching practices which facilitate the development of our students as graduates who are able to fully operate in today’s technology-driven world,” he added.

Etihad Airways is renowned as one of the UAE’s leading Emirati employers and has been widely praised for its Emiratisation recruitment program. Currently the airline has more than 1,400 UAE nationals employed in various jobs spanning the spectrum of its operations.
 

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