Abu Dhabi Power Corporation (ADPower) hosted, today, an event to recognize the first cohort of trainees from its bespoke Graduate Training Programme (GTP), after their successful completion of the programme’s ‘Workplace Readiness Training’ phase. The trainees now transition into their full-time roles within ADPower’s operating companies, where they will enter the programme’s 12-month ‘On-the-Job Training’ phase to gain deeper hands-on experience.
ADPower hosted a virtual event, attended by Jasim Husain Thabet, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of ADPower, senior leadership from ADPower’s operating companies, as well as the 92 graduates virtually collecting their completion certificates.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Thabet said: “Our Graduate Training Programme provides young, highly motivated Emiratis the opportunity to build rewarding careers in one of the nation’s most important and dynamic sectors. Today’s milestone marks an important shift in trainees’ journey, and I am proud to welcome such high-calibre talent to the sector. Our GTP trainees have proven themselves through their unwavering dedication and drive, and we look forward to developing this next generation of Emirati talent in the months ahead – enabling them to build long, stimulating careers in ADPower’s operating companies.”
At the event, trainees were presented with certificates to mark the successful completion of this critical programme phase. Speaking at the event, Shamma Al Hosani, a GTP trainee, said: “The sector’s Graduate Training Programme is a great opportunity for young Emirati professionals, and I’m privileged to be part of the inaugural cohort. Transitioning from university to the professional field is daunting and can be difficult to navigate. However, this programme has provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide value and impact as I enter the sector through ADPower’s operating companies.”
Mohamed Al Hamadi, another GTP trainee, added: “I am proud to have been chosen to join the water and electricity sector’s Graduate Training Programme. I have had the unique opportunity to meet young professionals like myself, all of whom are keen to accelerate their career in one the most important industries in the UAE. Together, we hope to make an impact, deliver value and serve our nation.”
On the sidelines of the event, ADPower signed an agreement with the global consulting firm, Kearney (formally known as ‘A.T. Kearney’). As part of the agreement, Kearney will welcome top-performing GTP trainees into a unique, rigorous 3-month secondment, where the select trainees will acquire new skills in a top-tier consulting environment, including skills in strategy development, business transformation, human capital management, financial management, industrial engineering, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and sales, industry benchmarking, and information technology.
“The GTP is a fantastic initiative to prepare Emirati youth for exciting roles in the sector. Through Kearney’s secondment program, we will offer participants a chance to develop a strong global perspective and enhance their strategic thinking and analytical skills. It will also allow them to build strong foundations and expand their professional network,” added Robert Willen, Partner and Managing Director at Kearney Middle East and Africa.
Launched in November 2019, the water and electricity sector’s Graduate Training Programme is designed to build competence in some of the most critical and sought-after professional skills – such as strategic thinking, leadership, organisational effectiveness, communications, and ethics and compliance – and provides trainees with a comprehensive introduction to the sector’s operating model to ensure professional readiness upon the 18-month programme’s completion. The 92 current trainees in the programme comprise the GTP’s first cohort. The water and electricity sector will welcome the next cohort of trainees in Q4 2020.
