DOHA: Honeywell on Wednesday launched an integrated education, training and career development programme in association with Qatar University designed to encourage and help more of the country's students to pursue careers in technical fields such as engineering.
As part of the programme, Honeywell will provide students with work experience opportunities, donate simulation solutions to enhance their learning experiences and drive educational workshops and lectures led by industry experts.
Among the key programmes to be offered is Honeywell Process Solution's (HPS) Junior Engineer Training Program (JetPro), a one-year graduate development programme that provides both technical and non-technical job skills to newly graduated engineers through classroom instruction, on-the-job training and mentoring. The university's students will also have access to Honeywell UOP's Career Development Program and an eight-week summer placement with Honeywell.
"This career development program linked to education underscores the commitment extended by HPS President Norm Gilsdorf to His Excellency Dr Khalid Al Atiyyah, Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation and Acting Minister of Business and Trade, to further strengthen our partnerships with Qatar, especially in developing a knowledge economy," said James King, General Manager, Honeywell Technology Solutions Qatar.
"These educational and career development programmes are in line with our corporate social responsibility for Qatar. We believe in serving as active partners in the growth plans of the countries where we operate."
As a first step, HPS will donate a UniSim process simulator that will give students first-hand exposure to state-of-the-art technology. In association with the Qatar University branch of the Society of Chemical Engineers, Honeywell experts will also participate as guest speakers at lectures to ensure that students can take advantage of their on-the-job experience and practical knowledge.
"The active involvement of global organisations like Honeywell is a source of inspiration and encouragement for our students," said Dr Mazen Hasna, dean of Qatar University's College of Engineering.
"These programmes not only open doors to new educational experiences, but also provide students with rewarding career opportunities, which are extremely important now in meeting the Qatarisation goals of the country."
© The Peninsula 2010
