du signs agreement with Higher Colleges of Technology to provide 127 Emirati employees with training

du recently announced a new partnership with Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), during an agreement signing ceremony, held at du’s headquarters in Al Salam Tower, Dubai.
The partnership will see 127 of du’s Emirati employees attend a full day of training once a week for a period of six months at HCT campuses including Dubai Men’s College, with courses covering a range of essential skills. This is the third consecutive partnership of its kind between du and Higher Colleges of Technology.
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources and Shared Services Officer, du and Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) signed the agreement in the presence of Yaser Obaid, Senior Vice President Human Resources, du; Jamal Khalifa Lootah, Senior Director National Recruitment and Development, du, amongst other members of the senior management representatives from both organisations.
The training is designed to help entry-level Emiratis develop their skills. There is a training opportunity to suit every grade of employee and each stage of learning, with both internal (such as induction training) and external (such as a university degree) sessions. Subjects including English Language; the Etiquette of e-Communication; International Computer Driving License (ICDL); Communication Skills; Time Management; the Principles of Report Writing; Business Development; an Introduction to the Telecommunications Sector; Business Presentation Skills; Problem-Solving and Decision-Making.
“We are proud to have partnered with Higher Colleges of Technology, as together we can provide our Emirati employees with the training and skills they need to develop their careers and forge a successful career path,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Human Resources and Shared Services Officer, du. “National development is at the heart of our commitment to society, and we believe that our human capital is crucial to the success of our business. It is our intention to provide a ‘total well-being’ experience to our employees, giving them access to educational tools as well as leisure and health facilities.”
Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology said the training program was  an example of the strong collaborations between the HCT and industry partners which result in career-oriented programs to meet the specific needs of the local industry and the provision of the highest quality education opportunities for young people throughout the UAE, so that they can become valuable members of their communities.
“It is very pleasing to again align with du to assist in training UAE national employees to help develop the next generation of future leaders for our nation,” Dr Kamali said.
“Through cooperation with partners like du we are able to introduce new programs and courses which allows us to meet the economic, educational, social and cultural needs of society and which give students an unparalleled advantage in the workplace,” he added.
“We look forward to training du’s employees in the skills that will give them an advantage in the workplace and lead them to a successful career future.”
du is dedicated to the society that it serves, and developing UAE national talent is one of its main endeavours. With the aim of becoming the Employer of Choice for young Emiratis, du has developed a formal five-year strategy to focus on current employee succession, recruitment and community support.
In order to reach its strategic and operational targets, du works closely with a number of local private and government entities, including Higher Colleges of Technology, Zayed University, Khalifa University and the American University in Dubai.
du has established several initiatives and programmes designed to boost Emirati career potential.
•    In 2011, du launched its UAE National Contact Centre in Fujairah, creating an opportunity for employment cross the Northern Emirates. The Contact Centre is run exclusively by UAE nationals.
•    Also in 2011, du was acknowledged by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, who presented du with the accolade of the Dubai Human Resources Appreciation Award.
•    du’s annual Summer Training Programme provides UAE national students the opportunity to experience two months of work in different departments within the telecom.
•    Additionally, du’s Work Skills Programme offers students in their final year at university with the training needed to improve their technical skills and promote personal development. More than 120 students participated in the inaugural Programme in 2011, and the target for 2012 is to successfully graduate 200 students from the Programme.
•    Young UAE nationals are encouraged to join du for short term projects, such as work experience and internships. The telecom’s National Development team members monitor all interns to guide their progress.