Dubai - March 29th 2004: CompuBase, the leading IT training center in the United Arab Emirates, and Tanmia, The National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority tasked with enhancing effective participation and performance of UAE nationals in the labor market, today hosted a graduation ceremony for 29 female National women who recently completed a technology training program based on the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) executed utilizing the state-of-the-art CompuBase EduBus and the training center’s facilities in Ajman and Sharjah.
 
The training program is a part of Tanmia’s ‘Maharat’ initiative which aims to enhance the skills of registered students to better position them in the job market.

“To fuel the ‘supply side’ of the UAE’s labor market by enhancing the skill level of UAE nationals, Tanmia training and career guidance programs play a critical role,” said Ayesh Al-Barguthi, Tanmia’s Director of and Skills Development Center. “Our partnership with CompuBase, and the use of the EduBus which reached trainees in Sharjah and Ajman, provided the basic and necessary skills required for young nationals to gain an edge in a very competitive, knowledge-based labor market and economy.”

CompuBase specially devised a technology training program based on the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) to be executed utilizing CompuBase’s innovative EduBus, a wireless-network and soundproof classroom-in-a bus equipped with the latest technology, to provide a go anywhere, mobile training center. As part of its commitment to play an integral role in the UAE’s IT training sector CompuBase plans to fulfill and expand the IT training opportunities at remote locations.
 
“CompuBase has over the years built a standard of quality training that is superior and has helped thousands of individuals gain employment in the UAE, and our extensive use of our EduBus will make IT training available to all those who seek better opportunities in the labor market, anywhere and at any time,” said Ayman Khaleel, Managing Director at CompuBase. “We are very proud that we were chosen by Tanmia to help raise the level of technology skills for UAE nationals and contribute in a positive manner towards the UAE’s long term economic viability and prosperity.”
 
The ICDL is an internationally accepted certificate that can simplify employment procedures and assure the employer that applicants and staff have the necessary level of knowledge and competence to use common computer applications. The ICDL is a certificate of knowledge and proven competence and is based on a single agreed syllabus, which comprises training on a range of skills including basic technology concepts, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and information and communications methods.
 
According to experts, just 2% of UAE nationals are employed in the workforce, with most jobs taken up by expatriate labor. Most companies operating in the UAE usually employ readily trained professionals and spend little time and resources on training fresh university graduates. This practice greatly reduces the chances for UAE nationals to gain employment in the private sector.
 
“The Ministry of Labor estimates that 300,000 UAE nationals will be ready to join the labor force by 2006, which means that quality training and education is essential for aspiring individuals, if they are to find quality employment,” continued Khaleel. “With our specialized and flexible training methods, and the EduBus which will be used extensively for this Tanmia project, we hope to train young nationals with the technology skills required by today’s employers.”
 
The responsibilities that rest with Tanmia are to set up overall policy and supervise its implementation, conduct sustained operational and administrative labor market studies and analysis, provide career counseling and guidance to the national manpower, follow-up and evaluate employment of nationals in public and private sectors, support small investment enterprises through the establishment of self-employment projects for national human resources, develop programs for training and qualifying nationals seeking employment, and coordinate and direct the state in conformity with the labor market needs.
 
“The technology market in the UAE is continuing its impressive growth where the latest figures from Madar Research, IT spending will increase to $1.245 billion, only second to Saudi Arabic in the GCC countries,” commented Al-Barguthi. “With this in mind, we have developed this program with CompuBase to make sure our young graduates are up-to-date and familiar with the latest technology applications for professional use.”
 
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About Tanmia:
The National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority was established by a Presidential decree in November 1999 (starting its actual operations in November 2000), Tanmia, The National Human Resource Development & Employment Authority, is a specialized institution to aid development of UAE nationals. Tanmia in Arabic means development, and for those whose curiosity has been raised as to why the authority has assumed this name, the answer is simple – while 'tanmia' literally means development, Tanmia, the Authority, is synonymous with development.
 
About CompuBase:
Established in 1994, CompuBase continues to be the leading computer training company in the United Arab Emirates. CompuBase has maintained its leadership role by employing the most advanced technologies and the latest training methodologies. CompuBase mission statement and strategy can be summarized as follows: build people's computer skills and transform them into performers and achievers in their careers. CompuBase prides itself by continually meeting and exceeding the standards of its customers and IT vendor partners, and always exceeding their technical and quality requirements.
 
With rapid expansion plans in the region, CompuBase has trained thousands of individuals from various sectors, including governments, oil, financial, telecommunication, information technology, and others. CompuBase training programs have enabled many professionals to find successful career niches and helped corporate organizations enhance the efficiency and productivity of their employees. Through the use of a national network of training centers, CompuBase focuses on providing application training and technical education to more than 12,000 employees representing over 3,000 organizations.
 
For more information, please contact:
CompuBase
Sultan Center building,
4th floor, office 414
Tel: (971-4) 335-0355
Fax: (971-4) 335-3988
P.O. Box 31911
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates
 
For media requests, please contact:
Layth Dajani
The CONTENT Factory
Tel: (971-4) 334-1880
Fax: (971-8) 448-0574
Mobile: (971-50) 714-5640
E-mail: layth2@emirates.net.ae

© Press Release 2004