Standard Chartered has announced the launch of a programme specially designed to provide career opportunities for UAE nationals at all levels within the wholesale banking department.

The bank said the National Development Programme (NDP) is in line with its ambitious Emiratisation strategy.

Currently, all of Standard Chartered bank’s 11 branches in the UAE are managed by the UAE nationals and more than 42 per cent of its 2400 employees in the UAE are Emiratis, it added.

Speaking at the NDP launch, Hassan Jarrar, head of wholesale banking, Standard Chartered UAE, said, 'In the field of Emiratisation, Standard Chartered is the leading international bank operating in the UAE. We have also set ambitious plans to boost our Emiratisation targets further.'

Explaining the programme, Jarrar said, 'The 12-month development programme is customised and structured based on the individual areas of focus of each candidate. It begins with an assessment of each national, in order to understand the areas of focus to develop relevant skills.'

'The programme provides a holistic approach towards learning and includes class room training, on the job training and job rotations.'

'In addition, each candidate will be assigned a mentor who will provide ongoing advice and support to ensure his/ her success in achieving the desired outcomes of the development plan and help monitor progress against it,' he observed.

'This programme aims to provide structured and focused development and career plans for UAE Nationals with a view to ensuring personal and professional progress and increase the Bank’s UAE National retention,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service