The Boeing Company has announced an agreement to build closer ties with the UAE Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) through academic collaboration and leadership training.

The agreement was signed by Rick Stephens, Boeing senior vice president of Human Resources and Administration, and Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of the HCT.

“We are honored to continue the partnership started in 2004 with the Higher Colleges of Technology to share our expertise in leadership development and business,” said Stephens.

“The opportunities under this agreement will help give future leaders the opportunities and skills they need to be successful.”

Under the expanded partnership, each year selected hi-potential HCT alumni will attend leadership programs at the Boeing Leadership Center in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States.

The leadership center allows Boeing leaders from across the world, from first-line managers to senior executives, to develop and exchange techniques and best practices. The center uses training concepts such as intensified action learning, simulations and leaders teaching leaders.

“HCT is delighted to have an association with Boeing to provide our alumni this unique leadership program,” stated Kamali.

“We thank Boeing, which shares our commitment to the development of UAE nationals in looking for innovative ways to expose our students and alumni to international standards and best practices in this exciting collaboration,” he said.

Additionally, selected HCT students will be invited to participate in a Boeing-developed, UAE-based mentorship program.

HCT and Boeing also will annually recognize an outstanding alumnus with a Boeing Award for excellence in aviation. In addition, expert speakers from Boeing will periodically visit the Higher Colleges to deliver specialized lectures, he noted.

“We are proud to share our knowledge with future Emirati leaders through this partnership with HCT,” said Paul Kinscherff, president of Boeing Middle East.

“By collaborating with HCT, we help develop local business leadership capabilities, and we help the UAE reach its growth, people development and diversification goals,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service