- Second intake of the programme in administration supports aluminium giant’s quest to grow pool of UAE National employees at all levels
Dubai
- In keeping with its ongoing commitment to Emiratization, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) – an entirely state-owned enterprise that operates the world’s largest modern primary aluminium smelter with a captive power station – has enrolled 16 young UAE National women for the 2009 intake of its Pre-Employment Course (“PEC”) Administration Programme.
Says Marwan Al Sawaleh (GM: Human Resources), “This initiative forms part of DUBAL’s strategy of national recruitment and development, as advised by H H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which DUBAL has proudly implemented since 1982. The PEC Administration Programme, in particular, plays an important role in encouraging UAE women to enter the industrial sector.”
The Administration programme is open to high school graduates and diploma-holders. During their training, the ladies will spend every morning of the first period in theoretical and practical training sessions on diverse subjects, including English, PC applications (especially Microsoft Office, Windows XP and SAP), telephone techniques and management skills (including communications, team management, teamwork, decision-making, influencing, assertiveness, problem-solving, meetings, writing minutes, presentations). The afternoons will be occupied by on-the-job training within various departments at DUBAL. The remaining period of the programme will be used as a form of internship.
Developed and co-ordinated jointly by DUBAL’s National Programmes & Development and Training department, the 2009 PEC Admin Programme began with a three-day induction to familiarise the students with the company. This included a viewing of the DUBAL corporate film, and a plant tour. The new students also had the opportunity to meet graduates of the first PEC Admin intake, who are now employed at DUBAL, to find out more about the training programme and its challenges.
Throughout their training, the trainee administrators will receive direct support from the Human Resources Department in the form of regular one-on-one meetings to assess their progress; structured co-ordination of their theoretical and practical training; and opportunities to provide feedback on the courses offered. Together, these initiatives will help each candidate achieve the skills she requires to become an administrator; while simultaneously enhancing the efficacy of the PEC Admin Programme.
Al Sawaleh advises that HR activities support DUBAL’s ongoing commitment increase the level of UAE National representation at all levels across the company, which includes pro-active succession planning, as well as DUBAL’s ambition to remain the employer of choice in Dubai. He added: “We offer PEC programmes in various disciplines; as well as a graduate training programme; and a comprehensive development programme. These initiatives have contributed meaningfully to the proportion of UAE Nationals among DUBAL’s total workforce.”
