eHosting DataFort (eHDF)  has opened its initial phase of the Muthabara programme targeting the UAE’s academic sector as a training ground for national students seeking to build a career in the IT sector.

A member of Tecom Investments, eHDF is one of the leading IT consulting and outsourcing service provider in the region.

As part of the 11-week Muthabara programme launched earlier this year, officials from eHosting DataFort met with authorities in government colleges and universities in Dubai to raise awareness on information  security, particularly among university and college seniors majoring in IT, computer science and related fields.

Muthabara, which comes as part of eHosting DataFort’s Corporate Social Responsibility agenda means ‘perseverance’ and aims to inspire young Emiratis to take up careers in the IT sector by offering valuable hands-on work experience.

The initiative also seeks to empower selected group of candidates through a Continual Professional Education (CPE) programme.

“Seeking out young talent and training them to become professional well-equipped candidates is crucial in today’s time, as decision-makers are looking to employ the strongest candidates who demonstrate relevant skills at the workplace,” said CEO of eHosting DataFort Mohamed Fouz.

“eHosting DataFort’s Muthabara programme is designed to be one of the most progressive CSR education initiatives within the region. Our specialized technology  team offers promising students a foundation for the CISSP exam - a tough but highly regarded qualification in the IT industry.”

The Muthabara programme is implemented in two phases with the first identifying students for a preparation course to complete the CISSP exam, (Certified Information System Security Professional).

When certified, the candidates are offered work placements at eHosting DataFort with a team of IT experts and consultants. During this period, the interns acquire in-depth industry knowhow in a range of IT services that include Information Security, IT Service Management, Business continuity and Quality Management Systems.

According to a report by Silicon.com on ‘Skill Survey Special Report 2008: Tech vacancies easier to fill than last year’, the IT and telecommunication sector will face a dearth of professionals due to an acute shortage in qualified and skilled manpower.

In 2007, recruitment specialists Clarendon Parker Middle East had cited Dubai’s rapid pace of growth will result in an even bigger demand for qualified staff in the IT sector.

"The IT sector will need to get smarter about its recruitment and training processes of new talent. We are confident that, through the Muthabara programme we will identify some of the brightest Emirati students and help nurture their skills and talent."

"The programme will encourage more students to participate and eventually strengthen and increase the talent pool within the region," Fouz added. – TradeArabia News Service