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The DSS Apprenticeship aims at promoting local talent and enhancing the education of participating students within the field of marketing and business administration. The program brings together the best and brightest students from across the region to participate in the highly successful annual summer fiesta in Dubai and provides students excellent opportunities for training and exposure in marketing and events management through an internship at the Dubai Summer Surprises, one of the biggest tourism success stories of the region, which will take place from June 19th to August 22nd, 2008.
From four universities in two countries in 2006, the DSS Apprenticeship Programme now targets more than 30 higher education institutions in nine markets in the Middle East & North Africa. And for the first time this year, the programme marks a major milestone as it takes the first step towards globalizing the programme with the first non-Arab student coming from the United Kingdom.
As in past editions, college students selected for the apprenticeship programme undertake an intensive hands-on training in planning and executing the Dubai Summer Surprises, the region's biggest summer spectacle now celebrating its 11th year.
"On its 3rd year, we're spreading our wings and giving students from the UK a chance to become part of the multi-national team of professionals that work tirelessly to make DSS a fun and memorable event for the entire family. This development attests to the growing prominence of DSS not only as a regional spectacle, but a global event that embraces shoppers and families from different nations with Dubai's unique and warm hospitality, and the unique experience that awaits them during DSS,"
said Laila Suhail, CEO, Dubai Shopping Festival Office.
The leading South African hotel operator Southern Sun is hosting this year's students for the second consecutive year, at the Qamardeen Hotel, where students will stay for the entire two-week internship.
"The DSS Apprenticeship Programme is a commendable initiative in that it prepares students to acquire real-world skills that will help them expand their horizons and enrich their learning. We're happy to be able to give the selected students the comfort and care they need while momentarily being away from their families. Staying in touch with their families back home will also be a touch away since all rooms and suites offer complimentary high speed Internet access," said Richard Weilers, Managing Director, Southern Sun Middle East.
Students from Petra University are currently busy going through the selection process, which includes an essay writing component that usually asks students for bold and bright ideas as to how to make the summer event bigger and better for the 2009 edition. A special jury comprised of key DSS staff and other marketing professionals will evaluate the applications and select one winner from each country to represent his/her country in the programme.
Winners are chosen based on the quality of their essays and completion of documents as well as their character, ambition, energy, and potential to make valuable contributions to the betterment of DSS.
Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
