DUBAI, 12th December, 2016 (WAM) -- High-school graduates employed by the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) Group will be trained through a technical work readiness programme for the oil and gas industry under an agreement between ENOC, a wholly owned entity of the Government of Dubai, and the Higher Colleges of Technologys Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT).

The one-year programme will be conducted by CERT for Certificate in Engineering and Diploma in Process Technology. CERT will also assess candidates for selection.

The initiative is part of ENOCs National Development Programme, designed to enhance the Emiratisation efforts across the Group by nurturing young talents and helping build a skilled and reliable workforce that contributes to the UAEs economic progress.

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be certified according to international City and Guilds standards and will be equipped with a wide range of skills and knowledge related to the industry, the Groups requirements and the graduates role at ENOC.

"The development of a knowledge-based economy is a pillar of the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda and ENOC is building a strong cadre of qualified and well-trained employees who will contribute to achieving this vision. We are committed to raising a generation of talent who are professionally trained as per international standards,'' said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC.

''Our collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training to train high-school UAE nationals in vocational skills for the oil and gas sector is another step in this direction as we invest to meet the need for a strong talent pool that counters increasing challenges in this new energy era," he said.

"Our collaboration with ENOC is driven by our support to the community and the Emiratisation drive," said Dr. Hassan Al Jifri, CEO of CERT. "CERT has successfully delivered training to hundreds of highly qualified UAE nationals in the oil and gas sector across the UAE. The focus of CERT training is knowledge, awareness and skill levels," he added.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2016.