Fortune Promoseven announces UAE Nationals Training & Employment Program in Advertising & Marketing Communications

This unique training and employment program will be conducted under the auspices of the MCN Academy in partnership with the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD). The first ever program in this discipline is sponsored and endorsed in part by Dubai Waterfront - a Nakheel's company, and by the Emirates Nationals Development Programme. For the recruitment of graduates major support is provided by HCT's (Higher Colleges of Technology) Dubai Men's College and Dubai Women's College.

Launching the program, Fadi Salameh, CEO and President of Fortune Promoseven and MCN said,

"It's an investment we are making in something we believe in and are committed to - growing the UAE National talent base. At Promoseven and all MCN offices we recognize the importance of developing the young UAE National in the field of advertising, media, PR and marketing communications because we feel we will get a tremendous lead in this market from their insights, their creativity and their energy. We have seen huge potential within this talent base, I am convinced that this will be huge win-win for us all."

"The time is right for this initiative. All across the region companies are looking for local National talent. At the same time, young graduating Nationals - gifted, talented, young professionals-to-be are looking for a compass for their career road map. We are just facilitating them to discover a fantastic career opportunity in advertising, media and marketing," Salameh explained.

"This program will prepare the candidates for a bright future in an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds in our region. It's a no-brainer. It's a program that is timed for the here and now - and is a tremendous investment in the future of this great country we do business in," he added.

The 10-month program, which kicks off in February 2007, will be conducted as part further education at the UOWD, and part-hands-on-training at Fortune Promoseven and other MCN agencies in the UAE. Nationals get hands-on work experience while acquiring specialized work-related skills and networking within the advertising industry.

What makes the program unique as well is that will be taken on as a Trainee Manager with a handsome remuneration package - under an employment contract, with a guaranteed increase in salary and a promotion after successfully completing the 10-month tenure of the program.

"The UAE National Training & Employment Program will provide a comprehensive academic and practical training to UAE Nationals to attain excellence in the field of marketing communications. UOWD is proud to be providing the academic component for this program in cooperation with tutors from the industry," commented Professor Nick van der Walt, CEO of UOWD.

"The Emirates Nationals Development Programme is proud to be a partner in this flagship programme of such an exciting industry. The commitment of Fortune Promoseven's management and the leading educational institutions of the UAE will definitely make this programme a success and allow Nationals to enter a field which currently lacks the presence of local talent," said Azzah Al-Sharhan, Director of Emirates Nationals Development Programme.

"This program also supports ENDP's strategy to ensure the presence of UAE Nationals in all fields of the private sector through professional development programs led by the industry."

David M Walker, Head of Career Services & Alumnae Relations at Zayed University said, "Fortune Promoseven's unique Graduate Training & Employment Program is a great incentive for any young UAE National seeking a career in the advertising world. FP7 have combined true on the job experience along side further classroom training to develop future advertising professionals for tomorrow. This is one of the only programs available that offers a program specifically for certain Majors."

Adding to the comments was John O'Hara, Dean, Education, Business & Media Division, Dubai Women's College at Higher Colleges of Technology. He said, "This is a unique program that provides marketing communications graduates with the professional experience and training they need to make careers in the industry."

Dr. Barbara Hayward, Dean of Business and Media Studies, HCT's Dubai Men's College, commented, "This program provides real incentives for UAE National graduates to enter the marketing and promotions business."

The application process starts now and closes on December 31, 2006, and applicants are been encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.