Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) on Sunday announced the launch of ‘Enoc Challenge II’, a comprehensive training programme aimed at helping 15 less privileged nationals acquire critical professional skills and embark on a challenging new career.

Enoc Challenge II, follows the success of the 2005 inaugural initiative and represents the continuing commitment of Enoc to the UAE community.

The initiative also underlines the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and is designed to encourage businesses in the country to strengthen their ties with the community.

“For the UAE to sustain its social and economic progress, we need to invest in educating our youth and developing their skills. It will make the future businessmen and women confident enough to lead the country through the challenges ahead, said Saeed Abdullah Khoory, group chief executive of Enoc.

"No one can do this better than the successful businesses in the country, which have valuable expertise and abundant resources,” he noted.

Khalid Hadi, Enoc Group brand and marketing manager said over the years, the UAE had promoted entrepreneurship and facilitated business, helping many to shape their destinies and craft success stories.

"It is time for these successful individuals and institutions to come together, to give back and make a real impact in the UAE community. Enoc Challenge does just that," he added.

Enoc Challenge II is also supported by the UAE Red Crescent Society (RCS), the principal charitable organisation in the country. The Society has already nominated the 15 candidates for this year’s programme who will complete their training apprenticeships at various Enoc departments.

The learning and development modules of the programme will cover computers, English language, problem solving, team building and customer care. The progress of each trainee and the results of the training will be regularly evaluated by the mentors and trainers of Enoc Learning and Development Department.

On successful completion of the two month programme, the trainees will be given a work and training certificate, with the exceptionally-talented candidates qualifying for a job in Enoc.

“With our operations spanning oil and gas to retail and real estate regionally and internationally Enoc Challenge will be the ideal training ground for these youngsters; it will help the individuals to gain experience in the cutting edge of today’s business and commerce as well as make them strong candidates for employment in the flagship businesses of the region,” Hadi added.

Mohammed Zaroni, general manager of the UAE Red Crescent Society remarked that Enoc Challenge is an example of how responsible corporates can make a deep impact in the community.

“As much as it tries to uplift the less privileged in the UAE, Enoc Challenge also seeks to proactively address the developmental concerns of the society, businesses and the country as a whole. All businesses in the UAE will explore such avenues for productive engagement with the community,” he added-TradeArabia News Service