The delegation praised the program which aims at matching educational output with job market requirements

Abu Dhabi, March 25, 2006: A US educational delegation representing a number of educational institutions met with IBDAA PROGRAM 2006 participants in Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The program is being sponsored by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representatives from the UAE private sector.

The US delegation was briefed about IBDAA goals, objectives, and mechanisms, in addition to steps taken by IBDAA team comprising training sessions and curriculum. 

The recognition of IBDAA certificates by US educational institutions was the central topic of discussion during the visit. The agreement to recognize IBDAA credits and certificates will see a number of universities supporting IBDAA graduates to continue their studies in the US towards a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Professor Suzanne Geffird, Vice-chancellor at Washington University in Seattle said: "The UAE educational system is running according to international standards. IBDAA program, specifically, combines two ambitious objectives as it aims at providing young graduates with the required technical and managerial skills and training for job opportunities in the private sector, in addition to satisfying the needs of the job market ".

Muhammad Omar Abdullah, General Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted: "The meeting was a chance to review means of reinforcing educational and cultural cooperation between the UAE and the US. The delegation reflected the intention of the University of Washington to recognize IBDAA Graduates certificates and count the training hours as recognized credits to be built upon in the university."

"University of Washington is one of the leading universities worldwide, and its recognition for IBDAA certificates highlights the importance and quality of the program," he added.

IBDAA" Program is a 28-week program which aims at providing the academic and practical training for graduates seeking job opportunities in the private sector. The program is divided into three stages. The first stage, or 'Basic level' is where trainees are provided with the basic training that assist them in passing the specialization level of their studies. This stage includes 240 hours of training and lasts for eight weeks. The second stage, or 'Specialization level' prepares trainees for specific jobs in the private sector and includes 300 hours of training over 10 weeks in skills that are recognized on both the American and the European levels. The third and final stage of 10 weeks provides trainees with the opportunity to apply their skills in on-the-job training within the private sector to give them the necessary experience.

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© Press Release 2006