Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal) hosted 80 students from the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT), as part of its structured programme to recruit more UAE Nationals.

The visit, which was organised by the company’s National Programmes & Development department, entailed the students and their educators to viewing the Dubal corporate film, going on a plant tour, and learning about the Dubal Pre-Employment Course: Craft Programme.

Essentially an accredited apprenticeship training initiative, the PEC Craft Programme prepares UAE National school-leavers for employment as maintenance craftsmen in Dubal’s different maintenance areas.

Access to the four-year course is open to individuals, aged between 18- and 24-years-old, holding a high school certificate in science or technical subjects; or with relevant work experience.

The course content combines theoretical study with practical on-the-job experience in electrical, mechanical or instrumentation maintenance.

On successful completion of the programme, course graduates are offered employment as full-time junior maintenance technicians in their respective disciplines.

The Open Days formed part of a one-year MoU signed between Dubal and IAT in June 2008 with the aim of establishing the framework form a training partnership between the two organisations.

“In essence, Dubal has undertaken to provide opportunities for IAT students to undertake worksite visits; employment for IAT students who meet Dubal’s workforce requirements; and information about the skills our company requires from the labour force,” said Marwan Al Sawaleh, general manager, human resources at Dubal.-TradeArabia News Service