Al Masaood Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the German Emirati Institute to participate in ‘OFUQ 4.0’, an international development programme overseen by Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (Tawazun), to advance the next phase of its Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme.

The agreement was signed at the UAE–Germany Business Forum in Munich, where Al Masaood participated as part of the UAE delegation.

The MOU was among a select number of agreements signed at the high-level bilateral forum, recognising the relevance of Al Masaood Power Division’s apprenticeship initiative to the UAE’s talent development and industrial priorities.

Under the partnership, selected Emirati engineering graduates will first undertake the 10-week OFUQ 4.0 programme, comprising two weeks of preparation in the UAE and eight weeks of specialised training and industry exposure in Germany.

Participants will gain direct exposure to German engineering expertise, Industry 4.0 technologies and international best practices.

Following successful completion of the programme, graduates will progress to Al Masaood Power Division’s established two-year apprenticeship pathway, which combines structured workplace training with practical engineering experience. The partnership will also provide a platform for knowledge transfer and longer-term technical cooperation.

Irfan Tansel, Interim Managing Director of Al Masaood Group of Companies, said: “This partnership takes an established Al Masaood initiative into its next phase, combining local industry experience with German engineering expertise. Beyond supporting Emiratisation, it aligns with the UAE’s national priorities by helping develop the advanced technical skills required for sensitive and mission-critical applications, contributing to the UAE’s technical self-reliance and long-term resilience.”

Launched in 2022, the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Programme provides fresh Emirati engineering graduates with a structured entry into the industrial sector.

Participants progress from foundational technical learning to hands-on field experience, working with real systems and assuming greater responsibility as their skills develop.

The curriculum covers power generation solutions, troubleshooting and practical technical work, supported by professional certification from Rolls-Royce Power Systems (mtu).

By combining technical instruction, industry experience, mentorship and certification, the programme aims to prepare graduates for specialised engineering roles.

Three batches have already completed the programme, establishing a foundation for its next phase.

Bernhard Randerath, CEO of the German Emirati Institute, said: “Through OFUQ 4.0, we are building a sustainable bridge between Emirati talent and German engineering excellence. Our partnership with Al Masaood demonstrates how international knowledge transfer, hands-on technical training and long-term industry commitment can translate into real career opportunities for Emirati engineering graduates. By combining specialised training in Germany with practical experience and structured career pathways in the UAE, we are helping develop the advanced technical capabilities that will strengthen the UAE’s industrial competitiveness and technological self-reliance for years to come.”

Rasso Bartenschlager, General Manager of Al Masaood Power Division, said:“Technical capability is built through practical experience. Our apprentices work on real systems, learn how to troubleshoot them and develop the depth needed to keep complex equipment operational. The training in Germany adds another layer to that foundation by exposing the fourth batch to Industry 4.0 technologies and international engineering practices. The objective is clear: to develop qualified Emirati engineers who can manage and sustain specialised systems here in the UAE, while reducing reliance on external technical support.”

Through the MOU, Al Masaood, Tawazun and the German Emirati Institute will deepen cooperation in technical talent development and international knowledge exchange.

The partnership is intended to support a sustainable pipeline of Emirati engineering talent for critical industries while advancing Al Masaood’s contribution to the UAE’s industrial development and technological self-reliance. -TradeArabia News Service