The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) have launched the In Country Value (ICV) Apprentice Programme. Part of the Nafis ‘Khebra’ programme, the initiative aims to enhance the technical and digital capabilities of local talents across a range of specialisations.

 

The ICV Apprentice Programme supports the objectives of National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and Nafis to empower Emirati talent and develop their skills across different sectors. 

 

The ICV Apprentice Programme, in its initial phase, will prepare 50 national talents for success in the UAE job market. As an initiative of the National ICV Programme, the ICV Apprentice Programme aligns with MoIAT’s efforts to create a self-sufficient industrial sector.

 

Local talent

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT and Chairman of the National Committee for the In-Country Value Programme said: “Enhancing the capabilities of local talent in the private sector is among the key pillars of the UAE’s sustainable development trajectory. The programme, which falls under Nafis’ Khebra initiative, will provide Emirati undergraduates with training opportunities in ICV certification and financial auditing.”

 

He added: “MoIAT aims to collaborate with strategic partners and certifying bodies to empower and equip UAE talent with the skills required to thrive in the job market. The ICV Apprentice Programme is an extension of training and development initiatives that support Emiratisation under the National ICV Programme.”

 

He noted that National ICV Programme is one of the key strategic pillars of Operation 300bn to advance the UAE’s industrial sector, as well as promote the growth and sustainability of local supply chains. It also creates high-quality job opportunities and provides incentives for advanced technology adoption.

 

Programme contribution

He indicated that the programme contributed to redirecting more than AED53 billion ($14.43 billion) into the national economy in 2022, an increase of 25% compared to 2021. As of the second quarter of 2023, there were 13,440 Emiratis employed by ICV-certified companies in private sector. 

 

Additionally, he highlighted that the recently announced Industrialists Programme by MoIAT, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation and Nafis, offers 500 training and job opportunities for UAE nationals. The programme is specifically designed to empower Emirati talent by providing them with essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the industrial sector.

 

Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the UAE Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis) stressed the importance of the Apprentice Programme, praising the collaboration with MoIAT and the private sector. He emphasised the need for experienced Emirati talent in the UAE job market specialising in the ICV Programme to ensure compliance with certification standards among companies through audits and assessments.

 

He added that the Nafis programme comprises financial and technical initiatives that support Emiratisation in the private sector. These initiatives include Khebra, which focuses on training and upskilling local talent, and will see MoIAT, the Council and certifying bodies enhance the competencies and technical capabilities of Emiratis relating to ICV certification.

 

Extensive training

The ICV Apprentice Programme, aimed at undergraduates, will provide participants with an intensive three-month training programme with the 25 ICV certifying bodies. The participants will also receive monthly stipends from Nafis during the training programme.

 

MoIAT launched the National ICV Programme as part of “Projects of the 50”. The programme contributes to national GDP growth, localises supply chains, and encourages public entities and major companies to support local industries, redirecting spending to the UAE economy. ICV-certified companies gain a competitive advantage in procurement processes, which promotes business growth.-- TradeArabia News Service