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New media apprenticeship for Emirati youngsters

In line with the 2018 as the 'Year of Zayed' - as decreed by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan - the Education Affairs Office at the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi on Saturday announced the launch of the UAE Media Apprenticeship Programme (UAEMAP) to support young Emirati graduates with degrees in traditional and new media specialisations.
The programme will secure job training opportunities for candidates within some of the world's leading media organisations operating in the UAE.
UAEMAP is collaborating with leading national and international universities offering media-based specialisations, to hand-pick their best graduates. The candidates, selected by an Education Affairs Office committee, will be provided with internships and on-the-job training.
The academic partners of the programme include Abu Dhabi University, Zayed University, UAE University, New York University Abu Dhabi, American University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, American University in the Emirates, and Ajman University.
UAEMAP has tied up with over 15 prominent media organisations in publishing, advertising, PR, TV production and new media. Some of these include Newsweek ME, Al Arabiya, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Publicis Group, BPG Group, Al Ahram newspaper, Bloomberg, Nomad, and Carma.
The initiative celebrates the legacy and values of the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who focused on boosting national talent and empowering the UAE's youth with skills and expertise on par with global standards to make them key contributors of a happy and knowledgeable society.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Nuaimi, director of the Education Affairs Office, said: "With global expertise and the will to acquire knowledge, they will occupy their rightful places in driving the economy and advancing scientific and technological know-how," he added. The relationships with private media organisations for this programme would enhance their role in strengthening the status of the UAE regionally and globally, Al Nuaimi noted.
The Education Affairs Office is keen on strengthening public-private partnerships through training programmes for the UAE youth for dynamic future workplaces, not only in media but other fields as well.
UAEMAP also realises the wise UAE leadership's vision of building an empowered and enlightened generation of Emiratis to meet the National Agenda and future strategies. Those wishing to apply for the media apprenticeship can visit the programme website. They must be aged 26 or below, and bachelor's or master's degree holders from accredited local or international universities.
MoUs are being signed with partnering media organisations on the number of candidates they intend to employ, the monthly stipend the apprentices will receive, and their employment duration (from six months to one year). After the contract expires, the organisation is free to employ the apprentices permanently.
- Wam

• UAE