OREANDA-NEWS. Emirates Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Nationals Development Programme (ENDP) to reaffirm its dedication to the Absher Initiative, committing support to Graduate Trainees. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Emirates Group and ENDP, the company will take in 50 trainees per year for two years in different positions across Emirates, dnata and group services.

The Emirates Group joined the UAE's Absher Initiative in 2012, when it was launched. Created to support a solid foundation of family stability and socially-oriented citizens, Absher works to diversify industries across the UAE and ensure compliance with government policies and initiatives towards Emiratisation.

Under the recently signed MOU, which was done by the direct supervision of The Ministry of Presidential Affairs (MOPA), Emirates Group will support Graduate Trainees as they build their careers within the aviation and travel industries. The continued support by Emirates Group will ensure UAE Nationals are well prepared to lead their industry of choice and build the region's reputation as a global leader.

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs has pledged direct sponsorship for the eight-month programme. During this period, trainees will go through an evaluation process according to specific indicators and scientific foundations set by the ministry. Trainees who are involved in the programme will also be given financial and functional benefits, partly borne by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. This is a preparation phase for trainees to transition to permanent jobs after passing the target duration of the programme successfully.

Assistant Deputy Minister of the government coordination sector at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, HE Nasser Thani Al Hamli said: “The continuing efforts by the government and private institutions and the strong cooperation among themselves to build a sustainable base enhances the reference of national cadres, advances economic growth, and supports the efforts and policies of resettlement in the country”.

Emirates Group has a long-established National Recruitment Programme, which the company believes is vital to the development of the Group and the nation. UAE Nationals constitute a growing proportion of the leadership across the Group; illustrating the success of the UAE's policies and Emiratisation programmes.

This is also His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's call, President of the UAE “may God protect him”, when he expressed his commitment to his citizens through the provision of providing suitable jobs for them, in order to ensure their right to live in dignity.

That is the major focus of the strategic initiative “Absher” call, undertaken by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Presidential Affairs.”

Al Hamli thanked the Emirates Group and the programme dedicated to the development of the UAE national cadres, who have confirmed their full commitment to the initiative that is aimed to provide a decent life for citizens and well-being.

“Emirates Group is committed to supporting the development of UAE Nationals,” said Amira Al Awadhi, Vice President, National Recruitment and Development. “The Absher Initiative is an important programme for the regional economy. We are dedicated to ensuring Emiratis within the Group are well qualified to lead the organisation and region in the future.”

“The partnership with the Emirates Group which started in 2006 has had the greatest impact in achieving this outstanding agreement,” said Essa Al Mulla, Executive Director of Emirates Nationals Development Programme. “This agreement is to achieve the strategic objectives of the Absher initiative-to offer various job opportunities for UAE nationals in all sectors, and particularly the private sector. During the previous period, the Absher programme helped recruit more than 10,000 UAE Nationals to the private sector, highlighting the importance of the private sector to achieve the vision of the state, and build a basic foundation for employment in the coming years.”

The National Recruitment and Development division in the Emirates Group includes a dedicated team of 37 to recruit and develop extensive training programmes focussed on UAE development. The department makes continuous efforts throughout the year to attract citizens, from regular visits to educational institutions and summer training programmes for students, to career fairs across the UAE and proactive recruitment. The National Recruitment and Development division works with leaders within the organization to place UAE Nationals in a variety of positions within the company, including engineering, ground services, commercial, outstation management and flight operations-preparing UAE Nationals to support the expansion of Emirates airline and dnata.