Fujairah E-Government and National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) PJSC today hosted the kick-off event for the NBF Technology Academy, bringing together 25 trainees and partnering organisations to announce the Academy’s programme and curriculum. Launched earlier this year, the NBF Technology Academy is aimed at training talented IT graduates and growing the pipeline of Emirati technology leaders.

A total of 25 participants, UAE nationals with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and information technology, were chosen through a rigorous selection process. In order to expand their knowledge and skillsets, the six-month programme will deliver bespoke training modules and share best practices through practical hands on exposure to different technologies including project work with all participants.

During the event, NBF revealed that PwC’s Academy Middle East will be running the training and announced the details of the curriculum. This will be divided into the following four areas: Application Development, System Administration, Informational Security and Foundational Courses which include Agile project management, IT governance standards and communication. Recognising the growing impact of digitisation on the financial sector, the programme will equip all candidates with the technological skills necessary to drive banking innovation, sowing the seeds for change in the future of UAE’s banking and government sectors.

Starting on July 4th and ending on January 4th 2022 the programme gives the candidates an opportunity to participate in a paid six-month internship working with either NBF or one of the participating Fujairah Government entities. When candidates successfully complete the programme, they will be given a formal certification and potentially may have an opportunity to work at NBF or one of the Fujairah government departments or entities.

The kick-off event featured a line-up of speakers from National Bank of Fujairah, Fujairah E-Gov, Fujairah Building Material, AFNIC and PwC, followed by a Q&A session.

HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, Director of Fujairah’s E-Government commented: “Engaging with the Emirati youth and assisting their journey of learning and career development are top priority of the Fujairah e-Government. We would like to thank all our partners, and especially NBF, for collaborating to launch this initiative. The NBF Technology Academy is an important opportunity to foster career development and learning among talented locals, and it will contribute to the sustained prosperity of Fujairah and the rest of the UAE.”

Commenting on the launch event, Abdulla Aleter, Head of Human Resources at National Bank of Fujairah commented: “The NBF Technology Academy is critical to achieving the UAE’s vision to develop local talent. By equipping young Emirati talent with the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve their career goals, as well as exposing them to a professional work environment, the NBF Technology Academy is investing in the future of UAE’s financial and Government sectors. This flagship project is one component in NBF’s wider commitment to investing in local talent and driving innovation.”

Amanda Line, Partner, PwC’s Academy added: “The combination of the comprehensive curriculum developed by our professional team and our highly qualified trainers, will provide an unmatched opportunity to grow the Emirati youth. The programme will empower young Emirati talent to make a positive contribution by leveraging innovation to contribute to the local economy.”