Mubadala Aerospace and UAE University to launch technician training Programme for UAE nationals

The new initiative, with key modules delivered by professional trainers from Lockheed Martin, builds on the success of existing programmes, which have already resulted in the employment of over 95 Emirati staff at Strata over the past two years.

In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of UAEU, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and CEO of Mubadala Development Company, the agreement was signed by Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace business unit, and Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAE University during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said,
"As part of the UAE's commitment to growth and diversification, UAE University is putting in place strong partnerships with local and international companies and institutions, to ensure that we best prepare our students to contribute to the nation's ongoing success."

"By working with these esteemed partners, the university, which occupies a leading position among world universities in terms of its education and research capabilities, can provide high quality training programmes across key industry sectors that meet the needs of infrastructure services, and the economic and social development in the UAE. Our training programme with Mubadala Aerospace is a perfect addition to our existing courses."

Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi said, "The cooperative partnership between the University and Mubadala Aerospace will open up new opportunities for young people as they explore how they can play a role in the industry's future, and we look forward to ongoing collaboration and success.  The university is committed to developing programmes to the highest global standards and specifications, as we plan for the future requirements of the local and international labor market, and allow young people to fulfill their aspirations."

Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace and Chairman of Strata, commented, "Mubadala Aerospace is proud to support the growth of UAE nationals through this new facility and programme, allowing talented young students to fulfill their potential by becoming an integral part of the UAE's growing global aerospace industry. Aligning with UAE University and Lockheed Martin will ensure our students receive international standards of education and training, and most importantly are equipped with the skills to allow Strata to continue to deliver to the highest standards for its partners and customers across the globe."

This programme will introduce an additional 90 to 100 Emirati employees to Strata by early 2015, using the high level technical skills gained to construct composite parts for the world's leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) including Airbus and Boeing.

Hosted in a state-of-the-art facility built at UAE University, equipped with the tools used in the working Strata environment, students will also receive essential training in math and sciences to ensure they are fully prepared to develop their careers in the high-tech aerospace industry.

Based in Al Ain and founded in 1976 by H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the UAE's first national university. As an accredited comprehensive research-based institution, UAEU provides solutions to support the UAE and, through its global partners, the wider world.

Upon completion of the programme, Strata will offer all successful trainees full-time employment, with continued structured training and support as they progress their careers in the aerospace industry.