Etihad Airways signs Three-Year Deal with Zayed University in Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways has signed a three-year deal with Zayed University in Abu Dhabi to develop the talent of Emiratis looking for employment in the travel industry. The airline has pledged to offer internships, sponsorship opportunities and summer work for graduates and undergraduates of the university.

Mr James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive said, “Providing Emiratis with scholarships and work opportunities is part of the airline’s growing social responsibility program and collaborating with Zayed University will bring great benefits to both Etihad Airways and high calibre students.”

As part of the new agreement Etihad will train graduates for a period of six months in a range of different departments, including operations, network planning, sales, finance and marketing. The airline will also accept fourth year interns for work placement, provide summer work in various sections and sponsor a selection of third and fourth year students.

The new development with Zayed University is set to bolster Etihad’s training initiatives in Abu Dhabi for Emirati nationals. The airline currently runs schemes for cadet pilots, graduate managers and technical engineers.

The cadet pilot scheme began in June 2007 and has already taken its fourth intake of cadets. The programme includes the first-ever Emirati female cadet pilots. Salma Mohammed Al-Baloushi, from Al Ain, and Aisha Hassan Al-Mansouri, from Khorfakkan, who joined the program with another 10 male cadets in October 2007.The graduate management development program aims to produce UAE national managers who will play key roles in the future development of Etihad. It delivers an internationally accredited qualification, which is underpinned by the National Vocational Qualifications. On completion of the program, graduates therefore receive an internationally recognized post graduate diploma.

Etihad welcomed its first class of Emirati trainees in 2007 to its new technical engineering programme. Trainees follow a two-year development program in the UAE and in Australia, at the prestigious Aviation Australia maintenance training centre in Brisbane, Queensland. Once qualified, the engineer trainees will join Etihad’s technical division, based at the airline’s new dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility at Abu Dhabi airport.

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