It’s never too late for a career switch, says Emirati policeman who became an aircraft technician

Salem Al Kindi always wanted to work with his hands and now, after years in the police, a programme with a Mubadala company has allowed him to do just that.

Saif Al Shamsi wants to serve the UAE by being an aviation technician. Courtesy TS&S

ABU DHABI // It was never too late for Emirati Salem Al Kindi to pursue his passion.

After graduating from high school, he aspired to work with his hands – building engines, taking them apart and solving intricate mechanical puzzles. But his career trajectory led him on a different path.

“I joined the police,” said Mr Al Kindi. “I worked there for four years but I quit because that was not what I wanted to do.”

When he was 26, he began calling aviation companies for work.

One call was to Mohammed Al Ketbi, the human resources manager of Turbine Services and Solutions, a Mubadala company that maintains and repairs aircraft engines in the capital.

Mr Al Kindi’s timing could not have been better, as the company was getting ready to launch a vocational training scheme in partnership with technical colleges to encourage Emiratis to become aviation technicians.

“For us, it is easy to put an Emirati in finance, in administration and human resources. But finding technicians to work on the shop floor, it was difficult,” said Mr Al Ketbi.

Emiratis make up about 23 per cent of the company’s 341 employees.

The scheme, Fani wa Aftekher, or “I am a proud technician”, enrolled five students for its pilot phase in 2015.

Now 29, Mr Al Kindi joined the first full batch of 16 recruits last year after Mr Al Ketbi made him an attractive offer.

“I can work and they’re going to pay for my studies as well, so what else do I want?” said Mr Al Kindi.

“I accepted and I realised this is what I wanted to be since I was young. I love technical things, I like tools, I like opening things. So after hearing everything from Mr Mohammed, I accepted.”

Fani wa Aftekher is open to any Emirati high-school graduate, male or female, between 18 and 25 years old. They must have completed National Service.

The age requirement took effect after Mr Al Kindi joined the first batch of students.

Recruits are given a monthly stipend and housing support during their study and training at the company’s facility.

Students alternate between on-the-job training and completing two years of studies towards a diploma in aircraft maintenance at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.

Those who decide to pursue a higher diploma – in aircraft maintenance, aeromechanical or avionic technology – will have to study for another year, and will have the chance of promotion to the position of senior technician.

The programme offers students many opportunities.

“The distinguished guys, they are not going to stop at being technicians and staying their whole lives in the workshop,” said senior supervisor Mohammed Kamil.

“Those who are distinguished, I will take them to a higher diploma, bachelor’s in engineering, master’s and maybe even up to PhD.

“The career options are open. This is what we are telling the new guys, that it’s not to become a technician only but that tomorrow you can become an engineer.

“To be sure, the choice to be a technician is noble. In the aviation world, of course, they technicians are the most important in our process – not the engineers, not the administrators, because the engineers and administrators can be replaced at any time.”

For recruits, the programme offers them a chance to fulfil what they say is their civic duty.

“My goal is to serve the UAE, and this goal will happen when I am capable of doing my job inside the workshop,” said Saif Al Shamsi, 19.

“Because the UAE needs UAE technicians rather than a technician from a foreign country.”

A second batch of 12 recruits is due to start next month.

Mr Al Ketbi hoped that in the future some of these young people would be in his position, engaging others to join.