Etihad Aviation Group and the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) have expanded their collaboration to offer diverse training opportunities within Etihad Airways for Emiratis aspiring to join the aviation industry.

The agreement was signed by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Chairman of Etihad Airways, and Ghannam Buti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.

In October 2022, Etihad rolled out the "Bedayati" programme and welcomed new graduates to a training programme lasting a year to guide them in taking their initial strides towards a promising career.

The programme offers hands-on and comprehensive work experience under the guidance of experts across diverse aviation fields. Since October 2022, 13 Emirati graduates have undergone training in various departments at Etihad Airways, with job opportunities extended to several candidates.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Board of Etihad Aviation Group, said: " As we mark the 20th anniversary of Etihad Airways, we reflect on our Emiratisation strategy as a cornerstone achievement, established since our inception.

“Expanding our partnership with the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council underscores our dedication to empowering Emirati youth and contributing to the nation's economic goals. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the vision of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to strengthen the aviation sector.

"The aviation sector is vital and dynamic, encompassing diverse specialisations and providing great opportunities for individuals to find suitable roles. This Memorandum of Understanding is a positive step toward enhancing the partnership between the private and government sectors.

"Through this initiative, we will provide training opportunities for Emirati youth, enabling them to achieve high levels of expertise in the aviation industry. We are committed to providing an effective learning environment and distinctive development opportunities that contribute to building a promising future for Emirati talents in this vital sector."

Under the new agreement, Etihad Airways will deliver hands-on training, operational workshops, and skill development sessions, leading to professional and technical certifications.

Ghannam Buti Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, said: "Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the council aims to create more training opportunities in various private sectors. As a key economic player, the aviation sector requires specialised training and development of professional skills to enable UAE nationals to fill specialised jobs.

"The Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Airways marks the continuation of a positive collaboration and pre-existing partnership between the two entities to empowering Emirati professionals in the aviation sector, resulting in the enrollment of a number of freshly graduated Emiratis registered in the Nafis programme into specialised training initiatives offered by Etihad Airways.

“This agreement not only solidifies the existing partnership but also underscores a joint commitment to creating additional opportunities for empowerment, skill refinement, and the enhancement of Emirati talent competencies within this pivotal sector." – TradeArabia News Service