ENOC Challenge II shows the way ahead to 15 young UAE nationals

The two-month programme which runs from June 29- August 31 and launched by Dubai-based oil and gas company ENOC, provides the young high school graduates, all of them belonging to underprivileged communities in the UAE, with unique opportunities to elevate and match their knowledge and skills with the demands of the job market.

ENOC has designed and structured the unique CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative in such a way that it addresses the existing gap between emiratisation targets and the available skills set of the national workforce.

"An increasing number of national high school graduates enter the UAE job market every year but not all of them find suitable positions, despite the ongoing economic boom in the country. ENOC Challenge aims to enable these graduates to acquire critical professional skills that will prepare them to compete in multinational and competency-based working environments,"

said Khalid Hadi, ENOC Group Brand and Marketing Manager.

"There is an exceptional component of social empowerment in this initiative as ENOC Challenge focuses on the underprivileged communities, facilitating their integration into highly professional workplaces and thereby into the mainstream of society," Hadi added.

The learning and development modules of ENOC Challenge II cover computers, English language, problem solving, team building and customer care.

On successful completion of the programme, the trainees will receive a work and training certificate, with an ENOC position on offer for the exceptionally talented.

ENOC Challenge II is also supported by the UAE Red Crescent Society, the principal charitable organisation in the country, which nominated the 15 candidates.

The training and development sessions are conducted within different departments at the ENOC head office.

Mentors and trainers of ENOC Learning and Development Department who regularly evaluate the progress of each trainee have reported a high level of interest and excitement among the youngsters.

Mona Ali Abdullah, a 19 year-old trainee noted that ENOC Challenge has given her the right orientation for her career as well as education.

"I have already learned many things from this programme, the most important of which is how to be organised and confident. I plan to study either Communication or Translation, however, I wish I can work and study at the same time."

21-year old Hussein Ali hopes ENOC Challenge II will be his passport to a career in banking.

"ENOC Challenge II has helped me develop my IT skills and I know that computers are the way forward."

Adel Ahmad Hassan, 21 year-old, added: "Working at ENOC Retail and HR departments has taught me how to perform well under pressure and deal effectively with customers. This is a programme developed according to our needs and I'm confident it will help us build a successful career in future."