Abu Dhabi-based Turbine Services & Solutions (TS&S), a specialised maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider for aircraft engines and gas turbines in the Middle East, has launched a programme that encourages students to continue vocational education through applied technical training.

The programme, named ‘Fani wa Aftekher’ which means ‘I am a proud technician’, was unveiled by the company’s CEO Abdul Khaliq Saeed at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, along with a number of senior executives, said a statement from TS&S.

The induction session of the programme was attended by 20 new Emirati trainees, between the ages of 18 to 25, it said.

The programme that was piloted last year, aims to attract, motivate and inspire secondary school students to continue onto higher education by providing them with accredited vocational training in specialised institutes and on the job training at the company's workshops in Abu Dhabi, it added.  

The 18-month programme consists of a variety of courses ranging from theoretical modules, including turbine fundamentals, to standard technical skills practices, said a statement.

Students will also study a variety of courses including; English studies, aerodynamics and aviation logistics, it said.

After successfully completing the training requirements, students will join the company workforce as a ‘junior technician’. Once qualified, students will be able to pursue their career path and progress to an advanced level of training and enable them to reach higher roles and positions, it added.  

Additionally, following the completion of the advanced level, which lasts three years, candidates will be qualified as a senior technician and will also help train the new recruits selected in the next phase.

Saeed said: “In line with the Abu Dhabi Economic vision 2030, we are committed to the development of a highly-skilled UAE workforce and seek to empower youth through this national development programme.”

“Our primary goal is to provide training opportunities to secondary school students who wish to gain solid engineering and technical skills outside of a traditional higher education curriculum,” he said.

“The aviation and oil and gas sectors play a significant role in the diversification of the economy. We are proud to offer a career path that enables the chosen UAE nationals to contribute to the economic development of Abu Dhabi,” he added.

Dr Ahmad Abdul Mannan Al Awar, director of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, part of Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET), said: “The programme is in line with the strategic vision of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and supports our continuous efforts to encourage our students to develop essential skills that are transferable across sectors.” - TradeArabia News Service