AlKawn Radio and TV Broadcasting, Al Faridah for Specialised Publications, SAE Institute tie industry knot

Alkawn operates Fann FM, Rotana, Energy 97.7 and Amen FM, while Al Faridah publishes Jordan's leading magazines including: Layalina, Jo, Venture, OC, Mjltna, Viva, Ahlan, U, and Umen.

The agreement will also cover Arabia Group new TV station when it opens soon providing internships and employment opportunities for SAE digital filmmaking graduates who undertake a wide range of studio and broadcast training as part of their diploma studies at SAE's own fully equipped facilities on Airport Road.

Speaking at a special signing ceremony to mark the occasion, SAE General Manager Kieran Galvin said:

"SAE is all about industry, and training students to be work ready. That's why our courses are almost entirely practical and why our graduates can walk out the door and into employment and be instantly familiar with the high-end technical equipment, software and production processes that are pivotal to the publishing, broadcasting and entertainment industries anywhere in the world, but especially here in Jordan where these industries are culturally and economically significant."

Arabia Group CEO Mohanned Khalifeh said the magazines and radio stations constantly require new talent and people with the right mix of technical skills and creativity. "We already have SAE graduates working at the radio stations and filming content for online distribution. This new agreement highlights our commitment to hiring people who have shown the initiative to get the right training."

Mr Galvin said SAE would consult with experts working within Al Faridah publications to fine-tune its short courses to match industry needs. "Next month we are introducing a new 4 month certificate course in Web & Graphic Design, acknowledging that all designers these days need web skills. So students will learn Dreamweaver and Flash as well as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign."

Mr Khalifeh said this was the right approach to training. "Courses must be dynamic and fit local needs while keeping an eye on world wide trends. SAE graduates will be able to fine-tune their skills working under the supervision of our key staff."

SAE Institute works in cooperation with Al Quds College in Amman but is one of 52 SAE campuses in 22 countries. Mr Galvin said that SAE students come from 19 different countries, mostly the Middle East and Europe, and about half the lecturers are from overseas. "This gives us a truly international perspective, and working closely with AlKawn and Al Faridah helps us to focus on what is needed in Jordan."