EGA Young Engineers And Professionals Support UAE Universities Students’ Distance-Learning
Young engineers and professionals from Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, are supporting UAE university students’ distance learning by leading online seminars on science, technology, engineering and mathematics in industry.
The online seminars, which have all been led by UAE National engineers and professionals under the age of 30, have so far been held with students from the American University of Sharjah, UAE University, and the Higher Colleges of Technology.
Young EGA engineers and professionals usually visit universities in person to discuss the industrial applications of students’ fields of study, under EGA’s ‘Ambassador programme’. More than 600 UAE university students participated in these sessions last year.
Abdulla Al Awar, a 26 year old chemical engineer who has participated in the online programme, said: “It is very rewarding to visit universities, especially when we are returning to our own alma mater. We all enjoy inspiring young people studying science, technology, engineering and maths by giving them some insights about what they can do for the country with their learning. During this difficult time for the whole world, it is great that we can continue this virtually and focus on the bright future we are all going to build together.”
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, EGA’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Our goal with the Ambassador programme is to encourage young people in their studies and ultimately to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We need bright youngsters working in these fields, not just at EGA but for the further development of the country. I am glad our young engineers have found ways to continue this important outreach even during this challenging period.”
Professor Sabah Al Kass, Dean of the College of Engineering at UAE University said: “EGAs Ambassador Program aims to establish working relationships with leading higher education institutions in the UAE, through sessions that enhance the technical, administrative and working skills of the country’s brightest young Emirati students, and asks them to think proactively about careers in the UAEs key industrial sectors.”
Professor Al Kass added: “The engineering faculty at UAE University has worked hard to support the distance learning efforts of its students through a number of activities and sessions that keep students engaged and expand their horizons. COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way both educational institutions and companies function, and with the help of sessions like that of the Ambassador Programme, we are working to provide students with digital solutions that both enhance their education and helps them achieve their goals, whilst ensuring their safety and well-being. These sessions also provide us with the opportunity to continue to utilise the latest technologies our university offers, like our ‘Blackboard’ system.”
As a company operating in heavy industry, EGA is a particularly significant employer of professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related disciplines. EGA employs more than 1,500 professionals in these fields including over 500 UAE Nationals.
EGA provides scholarships to students to enable them to pursue higher education at university level in subjects relevant to EGA’s current and future talent needs. These fields include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering and industrial engineering.
