UAE nationals complete training at HSBC University

The HSBC University was launched in the UAE in February 2004 to complement HSBC's ongoing efforts to train and develop UAE national staff, and to generally reinforce the Bank's commitment towards emiratisation. The training included a combination of classroom events, attachments and business projects in various branches and departments at HSBC.

A graduation ceremony was hosted by Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of HSBC Bank Middle East Limited., David Hodgkinson. The successful candidates received Certificates of Accomplishment and prizes, including the 'Best Trainee Award' which was presented to Fatheya Al Hammadi.

The new programme aims to instruct and prepare staff to be ready to carry out a variety of identified job roles, generate higher motivation levels and confidence, provide closer contact with Senior Management, offer greater support and pastoral care, and improve retention rates. Overall it is intended to provide staff a very clear direction and pace in their career development in the future.

"Recent press commentary has highlighted the need for banks to do more to attract and employ UAE Nationals," said David Hodgkinson. "We have worked very hard to attract and recruit the best local candidates, and I am proud that HSBC now has the largest UAE staff complement (624 staff in all) compared with our competitors. But we need to continue to increase this number.