The UAE flag carrier will continue to utilize the strategic collaborations it has formed with a range of UAE government, educational and Emiratization institutions with the aim of offering Emiratis various opportunities to develop a long and rewarding career in the airline business, it said.
One of Etihad Airways’ major collaborations is its participation in the Absher initiative which was conceived by UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support Emiratization and create new jobs for skilled Emiratis in the UAE labor market.
As part of the Absher initiative, Etihad Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in June 2012 to recruit 1,500 Emirati citizens to its global team over the next five years. More than 900 UAE nationals have been recruited since then as part of the initiative.
In 2011, Etihad Airways signed a MoU with the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council (ADTC) and since then has worked together to enhance the airline’s recruitment strategy for UAE nationals.
Etihad also signed a MoU with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 2013 with the aim of sponsoring and hiring UAE nationals studying abroad.
As part of this collaboration, 32 students studying in the US have been sponsored by Etihad Airways, three of whom have already graduated and joined the airline’s various departments.
To attract even more talented young Emiratis, Etihad Airways recently took part in a recruitment event hosted by the UAE Embassy in Washington DC with the aim of screening and selecting a new batch of students who will join the airline’s ranks.
Etihad Airways also has an agreement in place with the Higher Colleges of Technologies and the Al Ain International Aviation Academy offering trainees the chance to obtain a B1 (Engineering License in Airframe and Engines) or B2 (Avionics) license in Aviation Engineering Technology. Once qualified, the trainees will become part of Etihad Airways' technical team at the airline's dedicated aircraft line and light maintenance facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The airline also collaborates with Abu Dhabi University to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Science, the first of its kind in the airline industry for applicants interested in Etihad Airways’ cadet pilot program.
Etihad Airways also continues to work closely with the Higher Colleges of Technology, and other organizations to enhance the effectiveness of its recruitment and development strategy. In 2013 Etihad Airways signed a MoU with the Higher Colleges of Technology for the establishment of the HCT/EY Centre for Education and Professional Development, it said.
Etihad Airways also recently expanded its UAE national development efforts with the launch of a two-year Graduate Finance Development Program, which prepares Emirati trainees for a rewarding career in financial accounting and provides them with a professional qualification from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for accountants.
The airline will launch new specialized programs in government affairs, network planning, properties and logistics to diversify its offering and train UAE nationals in all aspects of the aviation business. A total of 21 different development programs are now being offered as part of the UAE national development initiatives at Etihad Airways, it said.
