Emirates Aluminium (Emal), a state-of-the-art aluminium smelter complex, announced that the first Emirati from its scholarship programme has joined the company as a full-time employee.

Faisal Saleh Al Wahedi will start as a graduate trainee before becoming a process control engineer in the carbon plant of the Al Taweelah smelter. The scheme is one aspect of Emal’s drive to provide career opportunities for UAE nationals through its “Falah” Emiratisation programme.

Abdelhakeem Almushtaghil, vice president, Human Relations and Organization Effectiveness, of Emal, said: “We are very pleased that Faisal has joined us at Emal. His appointment is a milestone in our plan to realise the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision to bring diversification to the UAE economy and provide exciting careers for Emiratis.”

“One of our core values at Emal is ‘investing in today for tomorrow’ and Faisal is a proof of this belief in and that our Emiratisation policy is already delivering a positive dividend. I expect him to be the first of many Emiratis to join us at Emal through our dedicated policy to support UAE nationals, which will help make Emal even more successful in the future.”

Al Wahedi said: “This is a very happy day for me as I am now able to put what I have learnt into practice at one of the country’s most important industrial projects.”

“I am grateful for the support offered by Emal during my studies and, while it is an honour for me to be the first to take advantage of the scholarship program, I hope many more Emiratis will follow the same route to success.”

Al Wahedi recently graduated with distinction with highest honors from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) as a chemical engineer.

Speaking about Emal’s Scholarship scheme, that supports currently 18 local students, Al Wahedi said: “I heard about the scholarship scheme from Emal while at HCT and decided to apply. Emal not only sponsored my studies, but kept in contact to see how I was progressing. I was delighted to be offered a job once I had graduated.” – TradeArabia News Service