Nuclear plant to recruit Emiratis from Western Region

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation says it is specifically targetting Emiratis from the Western Region for roles in the new reactor.

ABU DHABI // Emiratis in the Western Region are being targeted for training and future employment in the country’s first nuclear power programme.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) is focusing its recruitment efforts and scholarships programmes on such citizens ahead of its 2017 opening.

“Although we do not have a lot of students and employees from the Western Region yet, one of our main targets is to actively recruit from the region,” said Fahad Al Qahtani, the external communications director at Enec.

“We have 260 students in our scholarship programmes, and by the end of 2013 we are hoping to have about 410 students recruited.”

Mr Al Qahtani said Enec was offering a range of exclusive scholarships and career opportunities to train the most talented science students and experienced professionals to become pioneers of the emerging nuclear energy sector.

“A significant number of positions for experienced professionals who are looking for a new and exciting challenge are available at Enec,” he said. “We are trying to spread awareness to recruit from among the Western Region’s students and professionals.”

Mohamed Al Hammadi, the chief executive of Enec, said one of the most important priorities for the corporation was identifying the “very brightest minds”.

“Our scholarship programme is helping to identify and train Emiratis who are seeking a long-term, rewarding career path in an industry that will play a critical role in the continued growth of the UAE,” he said.

Enec’s nationwide outreach began in April with the national Emirates Skills programme, an annual event organised by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. The programme tours universities, schools and careers fairs across the UAE with a range of competitions, training programmes and technical career activities.

“We are launching an advertising campaign soon on radio and in newspapers, and we have an ongoing roadshow to achieve our recruitment targets,” said Mr Al Qahtani, adding that a national skill base was a critical pillar of Enec’s policies.

“We expect to have more than 2,000 employees by 2020, with a target of 60 per cent Emiratisation.

Emiratis with an interest in science can take advantage of scholarships for the Higher Diploma of Nuclear Technology programme at the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, as well as both bachelor’s and master’s programmes in chemical, nuclear, mechanical and electrical engineering.