UAE Media Apprenticeship Programme 'overwhelmed by the fantastic response'

More than 80 Emirati candidates applied to join

More than 80 candidates have submitted applications to enter the UAE Media Apprenticeship Programme, according to the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, in excess of 20 media companies and academic institutions have requested to partner with the program, which was launched two weeks ago to support young Emirati media and communications graduates by providing them with training opportunities at some of the world's leading media outlets operating in the UAE.

Read more: New apprenticeship programme offers Emirati graduates media training at international companies

“We are overwhelmed by the fantastic response that has exceeded our expectations and reinforced the ambitions and keenness of our youth to enhance their skills and gain experience in the region’s thriving media industry,” said Mohammed Al Nuaimi, director of the education affairs office at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.

“Applications have been received from across the length and breadth of the country, and have included graduates from universities not enlisted as our academic partners. This is a great opportunity that encourages us to build new partnerships with many more academic institutions and thereby increase the scope of the programme.

“It is heartening to note that over 70 per cent of the applications reviewed by the committee so far are of a superior calibre and comply with the criteria set for the programme, such as the GPA, age, majors, and, most importantly, the factors that motivate graduates to apply to the programme.”

The applications are being reviewed by a selection committee from the Education Affairs Office. Finalists who pass the screening and interview will take up apprenticeships with UAEMAP’s media partners for a period between six months to one year.

Candidates can still apply this week on uaemediaapp.ae. Applicants must be no older than 26 years of age, and must have a bachelor's or a master's degree from an accredited local or international university.

The UAE Media Apprenticeship Programme celebrates the legacy and values of the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed, who highlighted the importance of boosting national talent and empowering the UAE’s youth with skills and expertise on a par with global standards to enable them to become key contributors in shaping a happy and knowledgeable society.