Sharjah Civil Aviation focuses on its new training strategy for 2007

The section also keeps trainees informed of the latest scientific achievements in the challenging aviation sector where growth is continuously accelerating.

Dhiab Mohammad Bani Yaas, Head of Training Section at Sharjah Airport Authority said, "The Training Section at the airport saw during the current year 92 cycles of internal training and 17 external training sessions. The number of participants included 771 airport staff from all departments at the airport. We have increased the number of courses and workshops over the next year to encourage growth and expect participation of more than 800 participants and trainees."

He also added, "The Training Section witnessed a qualitative change in the method of training and methodology in comparison to the year 2000. Courses have changed and the system of training was previously limited to conducting special sessions Ground Services staff only. There has been a development in the training department with the formation of a qualified team of trainers, including a female UAE trainer. Also there has been an advancement of training programs into an integrated and comprehensive structure covering various sections in marketing and ground services, accounting, purchasing and customer service."

He pointed out that the airport management created all the tools for him to be effective and play an essential role in the training process. Mr. Dhiab also stated that "It was in the year 2002 a detailed plan drawn wherein training was added as a clear and essential part of the airport's measures to expand and re-train its staff. Incorporated as a yearly program, strong emphasis was placed making training one of the most important annual courses amongst the other corporate enhancement measures held yearly."

There is a strong impact on introducing the specialized training courses which deal with the needs of each department while taking into account the use of new terminology being instituted at airports worldwide and in the aviation sector. On a constant basis, the training section conducts training programs which aim at keeping its airport staff abreast of the latest in the aviation field, raise standards, and apply high performance measures to ensure the equipped airport staff while high customer service is delivered as well.

The expertise of training section trainers come from the fact of their experience in the aviation field, their experience in training sector, their qualification which range from university specialized training degrees to Master degrees in different areas. It has been observed that the current coaches are highly qualified with masters' degrees and certificates from universities specializing in training. These instructors bring with them years of expertise and extensive training in specialized area of aviation services.

Mr. Dhiab explained that the training section depended mainly on conducting training programs by its own qualified staff with their on research and training efforts while employing the use of instructors from outside for sections which required extensive coaching. The training section sends its trainees to courses organized by "IATA", to update their skills and become aware of the latest in the field of training and in particular aviation sector. The IATA certificates expire after two years and can be renewed through attending the latest in courses as the current aviation world experiences rapid changes. Because of these constant changes, certified coaches need to be made aware of what is new and evolving.

He stressed on the rapid development in the aviation world and high competition between existing airports which require all airport personnel to be fully equipped with skills and knowledge of services and technology in order to efficiently fullfill their duties and tasks giving them a competitive edge and a prestigious positions amongst other regional airports. Mr. Dhiab commented that the most important element in the development process of the airport was the development of the human element, and the necessity in providing the required skills to ensure the staff carries out the roles entrusted to them.

The airport is committed to serve all their passengers equally and operate in an efficient and smooth manner. Consequently, we are concerned about the delivery of correct data and rehabilitation of all staff without discrimination. Training of nationals is a priority, as often national employees come without any work experience.

Mr Dhiab states, "It is the duty of the Training Section working on the education of the new employee. That's why the training of nationals is for three months to ensure their familiarization with airport departments and see their skills and ability to handle the work in different environments. Speaking the English language is a mist throughout the training period so that all new recruits know the language used in the field of aviation and communicate proficiently while working."

He pointed out that the training received during the current year, saw 50 Emaratis graduate in the various field of aviation. Every national participated in more than one session. The first group consisted of 20 UAE nationals, while more participated in the second group consisting of 30 UAE nationals. There were intensive training programs for them and also courses in English language, with the encouragement of the use of aviation and airport terminology.

For next year's training program Mr. Dhiab Bani Yaas said, "The new expansions of Sharjah International Airport require processing staff and re-educating them to cope with these developments. This is the responsibility of the training section and we have developed a training strategy and a new training plan in line with the new expansion developments. Since the number of users of the airport will continue to rise every year, so we to increase the quantity and improve the quality of training programs to be established next year, which will aim to provide trainees with analytical capabilities to match their positions and deal with methods when faced with problems to solve during the course their work. '

Courses such as "The art of dealing with the public", direct marketing, "Art of management skills and behaviour of the administrators and supervisors" are going to be held next year. This is in addition to the "professional skills and behavioural skills" course. The session also will be organized on a "family stability function" so that the trainee learns special skills in how to reconcile work and family. The Training Section at the airport with the cooperation of Directorate of Human Resources Development aims at conducting these courses and encouraging their staff through the implementing of these programs.

Mr. Dhiab said in conclusion, "This has been a fruitful operation. A part of the plan for the year 2007 is to hold programs open to the public from outside the airport so that everyone can participate in such courses and benefit from the returns training. Certain specialized courses are related to the large world of aviation and are not available in other countries hence people who participate would benefit highly from this. Also the idea of 'distance training" will be presented to the management of the airport and is yet to be confirmed as part of the next year's training strategy. The idea of distance training is based on dealing directly with some lecturers from outside the state and the trainee's interact with them through the Internet."