New apprenticeship programme offers Emirati graduates media training at international companies

A media apprenticeship programme that will pair more than 20 Emirati media graduates with media organisations to train for up to a year was launched by the Education Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The UAE Media Apprenticeship Programme (UAEMAP) will provide candidates with job training opportunities in some of the world’s leading media organisations operating in the UAE, reported state news agency Wam. The programme was launched in line with President Sheikh Khalifa’s declaration of 2018 as the Year of Zayed to celebrate the legacy and values of the UAE Founding Father who highlighted the importance of boosting national talent. UAEMAP is collaborating with 15 local and international universities which offer media specialisations to hand-pick their best graduates who will then join the programme. The candidates — who must be no older than 26 and must hold a bachelor's degree or a master's degree from an accredited local or international university — will be selected by a specialised committee from the Education Affairs Office and provided internships and on-the-job training. Academic partners of the programme include Abu Dhabi University, Zayed University, UAE University, New York University Abu Dhabi, American University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, American University in the Emirates, and Ajman University. “The programme will articulate the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision to build an empowered and enlightened generation of Emiratis. With global expertise and the will to acquire knowledge, they will occupy their rightful places in driving the economy and advancing scientific and technological know-how,” said Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Education Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi. He said agreements were under way to determine the number of candidates partnering media organisations intend to employ, the monthly stipend the apprentices will receive as well as the duration of their employment, which will range between 6 months to a year. The organisation will be free to employ the apprentices permanently once the contract expires. Mr Al Nuaimi said the Education Affairs Office will closely monitor the performance of each selected candidate and employers will submit quarterly reports that will detail the apprentices’ productivity throughout their employment. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council, said the apprenticeship would contribute towards efforts in building a well-informed and educated generation who recognise that media constitutes a key pillar of building and sustainable development. “We hope this programme would consolidate and deepen our national, authentic principles and values and qualify national professionals who can deliver our message of moderation, centrism and tolerance to the international level," he said. ''We call for a public-private partnership that works to expand the base of media training activities provided to Emirati youth and to concentrate on applied fields so as to prepare well-trained, experienced and knowledgeable media professionals who practice media activities with high professionalism.'' Candidates can apply to the apprenticeship on the UAEMAP website.