As many as 364 people benefited from the various training programmes conducted by the Dubai Industrial Academy (DIA) last year.

The DIA delivered 36 industrial training programmes in health safety and Emiratisation and four consultancy services in 2008.

Participants came from 73 private and government organisations, a statement said.

DIA is the dedicated vocational training centre of Dubai Industrial City (DIC), a member of Tatweer Dubai.

“DIA has successfully demonstrated its status as one of the leading training centres in the UAE, offering niche programmes for the benefit of professionals in the industrial sector,” said Rashed Al Ansari, vice-president of DIC.

“In addition to creating specific skill sets for those employed in the private and government sector, DIA has excelled in offering programmes that develop indigenous talent and support Emiratisation in general.”

“The number of courses we have conducted last year reinforces our strong commitment to creating a talent pool of world class professionals in the region,” he added.

“We will continue to offer dedicated programmes to widen the talent base and contribute to creating a manufacturing-oriented economy.”

DIA’s launch curriculum was provided by the UK-based Technical Training Group, recognised as a centre of vocational excellence by the UK government. The partnership reflects Dubai Industrial City’s commitment to boosting the productivity levels of the UAE industrial sector through bringing on stream a vast resource of skilled nationals.

In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between DIC and the Tecom Zoning Authority, recognising DIA as the ideal partner to develop and conduct health safety and the environment programmes at various construction sites within Dubai.

DIA conducted programmes that have positively impacted more than 50 entities across different industries, including Dugas, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Adnoc, Qatar Petroleum (Qatar),  Chevron (Kuwait), Occidental (Oman), Jumeirah Group, Le Meridian Hotels, Alec, Al Futtaim Tarmac, Tecom Investments, Dubai Properties, Mars GCC, Emirates Flight Catering, Gargash Motors and Dubai Drydocks.

All the courses offered primarily serve six major industrial sectors - food and beverage, base metal, mineral products, chemicals, transport equipment and parts, and machinery and mechanical equipment industries - the same six zones represented in DIC. – TradeArabia News Service