Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) has announced the launch of ETLAQ, a new platform for its professional training program.
ETLAQ, which means Arabic for “launch,” is inspired by the UAE’s strong ambitions and forward momentum. The rigorous 12-month program, which began in November 2019 as the Graduate Training Programme, aims to attract high-performing, young Emirati talent to start their careers in the utilities industry in the UAE.
The new ETLAQ program focuses on five strategic areas: supporting the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s growth of a knowledge-based economy, building competencies to prepare emerging Emirati talent for the future of work, succession planning through identifying and nurturing the next generation of Emirati leaders, fostering a culture of learning, and positioning the utilities sector as an attractive opportunity for prospective career-seekers.
Fresh Emirati graduates will develop some of the most vital, in-demand skills through a combination of classroom study and on-the-job training as part of ETLAQ. The program will also help build trainees’ professional networks with industry leaders and experts, as well as provide continuous mentorship and career development guidance, which continues after the program to help restart their careers.
ETLAQ trainees will be hired full-time at TAQA’s headquarters and its subsidiaries in the UAE upon completion of the program.
The announcement follows the unveiling of TAQA’s new strategy for sustainable and profitable growth, which in addition to presenting the company as a low-carbon power and water champion, prioritizes investing in its workforce through career progression opportunities and professional development.
Mr. Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA remarked that “young Emirati talent is vital to the growth and success of one of the UAE’s most critical sectors and the country’s journey towards sustainable development more broadly. Investing in the development of Emirati youth is a strategic priority for TAQA creating a strong pipeline of local talent will enable us to fill some of our most business-critical technical roles and, in turn, will empower and equip the leaders of tomorrow.”
Ms. Hamda Al Hameli, Director of Human Capital at TAQA pointed out that “nurturing a strong culture of learning and development is at the core of what we do at TAQA. We designed the ETLAQ program to act as a launch platform for emerging Emirati talent to test ideas, build many sought-after professional skills and prepare for the future of work in a rapidly changing environment. At TAQA, we are committed to creating a future rooted in sustainability and innovation, and investing in Emirati youth contributes to our goals.”
Since its inception in 2019, more than 90 Emirati graduates have completed the TAQA graduate program, with more than 40 placements scheduled for 2021.
