Over 60 Emirati nationals are set to commence their careers at Mubadala-owned company Strata Manufacturing, having graduated today from an intensive 10 month course to qualify them as composite aircraft technicians.

The course is designed to provide the students with the core competencies needed to become composite aircraft technicians and forms part of a longer 22 month program of study that includes on the job training at Strata, Mubadala Aerospace’s advanced composite aerostructures plant in Al Ain.

Of the 62 students graduating, 60 are women and two are men; “evidence” Homaid Al Shemmari, executive director of Mubadala Aerospace says, “of the growing interest - and belief - in the aerospace industry in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi”.

Al Shemmari said Strata lies at the heart of what will be one of the largest and most important aerospace hubs in the world.

'The young people graduating today are the aerospace industry leaders of tomorrow and I am very proud of what they have achieved and look forward to their future successes in the aerospace industry,' he remarked.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Strata CEO Ross Bradley, said: 'These young people have worked extremely hard to be here today and their efforts are to be congratulated. They are the future of aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi; one of the most exciting, rewarding and fastest growing industries in the UAE.'

In line with its commitment to Economic Vision 2030, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council has committed to fund further training and development programs at Strata aimed at supporting its 50 per cent Emiartisation target.

'Strata is a leading employer of UAE nationals in Al Ain. Currently, 33 per cent of the work force are UAE nationals, with the company looking to increase this proportion to 50 per cent by 2015,' Bradley stated.

The executive council’s support of Strata will help as it strives to meet its nationalisation targets, he added.-TradeArabia News Service