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The College of Engineering at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) recently presented student training plans for the next academic year. The number of participating training bodies, both in the UAE and abroad, is expected to be in the range of 60 -70 institutions, catering for approximately 170 students in the following semester (semester one of the next academic year). These plans were announced at the final exam ceremony held for those students who had recently conducted a semester’s training.

Dr. Sameera Al-Zarooni, the Assistant Dean for Vocational Development in the College of Engineering, discussed the benefits to be gained from hands-on training and its importance in raising student awareness of the practical, rather than simply theoretical, nature of their educational experience.

Dr. Al- Zarooni stressed that the College of Engineering takes into account the students’ needs when selecting a suitable place to train. The college chooses an institution that fits in with the respective student’s residence, family circumstances, etc. without affecting the rigor of their training experience.

The number of students trained this academic year reached 276, who were distributed to more than 60 authorities and institutions inside the UAE or abroad. These training partnerships were with elite local and major industrial bodies, such as Boeing, Airbus, NASA and Arabtec, among others, as well as with various ministries, governmental authorities and other large multinational companies.

The students trained by these organizations are very likely to find job opportunities due to the distinction of their training experience. Next year even more prestigious companies will enter into strategic partnerships with the College of Engineering: these include Etihad Rail and Doslet Efshing from France.

A film made by an engineering graduate was presented. This film highlighted the student trainees’ experiences and the companies and institutions they were training with. It is worth noting that 3200 students have been trained in this way by the College of Engineering since the implementation of hands-on training.