Training and development - the key to recruit and retain the best

This programme will run from the 29th September to 2nd October at the JW Marriott Hotel, Dubai.

"Continual emphasis is rightly being placed on the recruitment of nationals, but recruitment is not enough" warns Jackie Wilks of IIR. "Localisation policies need to be about sustaining a dynamic, motivated and skilled workforce with the potential to take organisations into the future. Nationals want rewarding careers with the potential for promotion and this can only be achieved by investing in organisational development and ensuring the most effective and efficient practices are in place."

It has been developed in response to calls from organisations wanting to know the latest tools and techniques being used regionally and internationally in training and developing their employee's - their most vital asset.

"I believe that we are entering a 'Decade of HR' in the region" says Charles Wilson, Secretary General of IHRA. "I am heartened by the progress that our profession is making and lively minded National HR Managers are taking their well-earned places everywhere. The roles of expatriates and nationals are clearer, each has a part to play and a vital contribution to make."

Whilst competencies are widely used for recruitment across the region, The Best And Worst Of Competencies interactive workshop will allow delegates to discuss their use in training and development. This will be presented by Iqbal Noor, Training Manager at the award winning National Bank of Dubai.

Next to salaries the largest claim on HR funding is training and development. Martin Plant, Head of Staff Development at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) UK, will lead a workshop on Evaluation of Training and Development that will discuss how organisations can ensure a return on their investment.

Additional case studies at the conference include The Savola Group, KSA and Schneider Electric, Egypt. These will be complemented by a wealth of experienced corporate presenters and consultants. One of the biggest challenges facing many companies in the region is English language training. Why English Matters? a guide by the British Council will present a sample process that responds to an organisation's perceived language skills gap.

The training and development requirements of organisations are varied, as is the level of sophistication of approach being taken by companies. By sharing 'Best Practices' with recognised market leaders, every company will have the opportunity to achieve recruitment and retention of the best and ensure a return on their investment by improving their practices and procedures.