Sheikh Sultan opens Career Fair for nationals

Sharjah, 11 February 2015 -  His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 17th National Career Exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday (Feb 11), opening up thousands of employment opportunities for Emirati youth in the country’s public and private sector establishments.
 
With the government targeting better Emiratisation levels in several sectors, participating companies and organisations have also lined up several training programmes aimed at reducing the skills gap that is hindering them in their recruitment process.

As the three-day exhibition got under way, senior officials and recruitment personnel were unanimous in their call for better commitment and cooperation by all stakeholders to help integrate UAE nationals into the country’s workforce.

Being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan, the opening was attended by Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; and government, SCCI and Expo Centre officials.

Senior officials from Emirates Institute for the Banking and Financial Studies and Human Resources Development Committee in the Banking Sector, which are lending their support and guidance to the show, were also present during the ceremony.

“Our focus is on empowering the national youth. We believe in a holistic approach, where aspects like education, training, recruitment and retention are fully covered. The government, educational institutions and private sector will have to work hand-in-hand to ensure that Emiratis get the right training, job opportunities and career growth,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

Keeping this in mind, exhibitors are also offering several training and skill enhancement programmes for national graduates to prepare them to join the workforce and help them grow in their careers. Additional activities like workshops, symposia, counselling and discussion sessions are introducing them to what a career in the private sector or a government job can offer in terms of pay, incentives, growth opportunities etc.

“There is more to Emiratisation than helping national graduates find their first jobs. It is about helping them acquire core competencies necessary for effective leadership and career growth in their organisation, which will ultimately prove beneficial for both the employer and the employee,” said Mr. Midfa.

At the National Career Show, Emirati youth will be able to explore a variety of career opportunities that suit their educational and professional qualifications at more than 100 public and private sector establishments, including some of the leading local and foreign banks, money exchanges, insurance firms, UAE Armed Forces, free zones and government departments, among others.

This time, visiting youth will have double the benefits since the region’s premier higher education fair - 11th International Education Show - is being held concurrently, which will help those intending to pursue higher studies to explore educational programmes offered by institutions from across the world.

The Show is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah from February 11 to 13, 2015, and admission is restricted only to UAE nationals. The show will be open from 10am to 8pm on 11th and 12th February and from 4pm to 8pm only on Friday, 13th February. Exclusive ladies timings are from 10am to 2pm on February 12.