ABU DHABI — The Human Resources Authority (HRA) of Abu Dhabi and Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) have signed an agreement to bolster UAE national employment in line with Abu Dhabi’s goals for socioeconomic development.

The two entities will collaborate to create more opportunities for the registered job seekers in the authority database to develop skills for technical jobs through EGA’s long-running National Training programs, as permanent contracts will be signed with those enrolled in the program from the first day.

The HRA will nominate additional candidates to undergo one-year intensive training programs at EGA starting from January 2021. After completing the one-year training period, trainees will be offered operational roles in EGA’s smelters and power plants, UAE news agency WAM reported.

The agreement marks the latest step taken by EGA to support the development of UAE national talent. EGA has focused on the recruitment and training of young Emiratis for decades. More than 1,000 UAE nationals work at EGA.

The agreement was signed in a virtual ceremony by Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei, HRA Director-General, and Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, EGA Chief Executive Officer.

"This agreement is an extension of the Abu Dhabi Government Accelerators Program, Ghadan21, and is a further development of the partnership between our two organizations," Al Mazrouei said.

"It demonstrates the institutional cooperation and teamwork between the public and private sectors to promote the participation of UAE Nationals in the industrial sector. The HRA will work closely with EGA to serve the goals of both parties and directly benefit young Emirati job seekers."

She hoped that the agreement would fulfill the aspirations of both parties, serve the goals of sustainable economic and social development, and strengthen the employment system in Abu Dhabi in accordance with the government's vision and directions.

"We have always believed that young Emiratis are the cornerstone of the UAE’s future, and have run national training programs at EGA since 1982. EGA will continue our efforts to cultivate and train national talent both for our business success and in support of the goals of our nation’s leadership," Bin Kalban said.

Under the terms of the agreement, EGA will have access to the HRA’s information on UAE national job seekers.

A career guidance and counseling program for shortlisted UAE nationals will be conducted by both EGA and the HRA, and selected candidates will then take entry tests and personal interviews, during which they will be introduced to EGA’s national training programs and their requirements.

EGA will sign contracts with promising individuals and commence academic and technical training at EGA’s Technical Training Institute followed by practical training on-site.

More than 5,000 UAE nationals have graduated from the programs since they were first established in 1982. — SG