Trainees and families attend a one day seminar on the future of the aerospace industry in the UAE

ABU DHABI, April 16, 2010 - Mubadala Aerospace, a business unit of the Mubadala Development Company ("Mubadala"), has partnered with the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) to provide UAE Nationals with specialist training programs to develop them for a career in Abu Dhabi's growing aerospace industry. The first batch of students have now commenced their training at the Al-Ain International Aviation Academy (AAIAA).

The training programs, which cover both technical and vocational fields for men and women, have been designed for Mubadala Aerospace's STRATA facility; a state-of-the-art composites facility which will produce composite aerostructure components for existing aircraft such as the Airbus 380 and the next generation of aircrafts. The courses will provide professional training for UAE Nationals to prepare them for careers as aircraft engineers, technicians and other specialist roles. Trainees and their parents were invited to attend a one day seminar held at the AAIAA on Thursday April 15 to familiarize them with the career opportunities at STRATA.

"We are delighted to welcome our first group of students to a career in aerospace," said Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director of Mubadala Aerospace. "Through our partnership with IAT, we are committed to developing a highly skilled UAE National workforce that will lead the growth of a world class aerospace industry here in Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most exciting career opportunities in the UAE and we encourage all UAE Nationals to consider a future in this field."

Under this strategic alliance, Mubadala Aerospace and IAT will also collaborate to provide students across the UAE with work experience opportunities in the aerospace industry through internships, worksite visits and job placements. This will be supported by student outreach programs to raise awareness of the numerous  career opportunities available to UAE Nationals in Abu Dhabi's aerospace sector.

The AAIAA is a purpose-built facility located next to Al-Ain International Airport and Mubadala Aerospace's STRATA facility. The Academy  offers 24 state-of the-art classrooms; 10 aircraft-related workshops including aircraft sheet metal, composites and turbine engines; and 14 labs for electronics, avionics and computing.  Students will initially go through eight months of technical and theoretical training, after which they will start their careers at STRATA and become important contributors to the aerospace industry.

The Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, which is mandated to support the transition of UAE Nationals to the private sector, is also involved in the development of this program, working alongside Mubadala Aerospace to support its Emiritization plans. 

H.E. Abdullah Saeed Al Darmaki, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council commented, "Our participation in the establishment of a relationship between Mubadala Aerospace and IAT is a landmark for the Council. The Council has played a central role in developing Emiratization targets for Mubadala Aerospace and will continue to support the company in its ambitions to attract the best UAE talent."

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About Mubadala Development Company
Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) is a catalyst for the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi.  Established and owned by the Government, the company's strategy is built on the management of partnerships and long-term, capital-intensive investments that deliver strong financial returns and tangible social benefits for the Emirate, and contribute to the growth and diversification of the Abu Dhabi economy.

Mubadala brings together and manages a multi-billion dollar portfolio of local, regional, and international investments and partners with leading global organizations to operate businesses across a wide range of industry sectors including aerospace, energy and industry, healthcare, information communications and technology, infrastructure, real estate and hospitality.  For more information about Mubadala please visit www.mubadala.ae.

For more information, please contact:
Rashed Al Harmoodi
Mubadala Development Company
E: ralharmoodi@mubadala.ae
M: +971 (0)50 657 8686

Salam Kitmitto
Edelman Public Relations
E: salam.kitmitto@edelman.com
M:  +971 (0)50 800 8268

© Press Release 2010