Sky High Careers on the Radar for Tourism Youth Summer Camp Students

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4 September 2013: Young nationals enrolled in Abu Dhabi's annual Tourism Youth Summer Camp series – a programme organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Dhabi) in conjunction with the European International College (EIC) – have been shown the intricacies of taking control of the latest passenger aircraft with a view to pursuing an airline industry career following a visit to the Etihad Airways' Training Academy.

The class of 60 Emirati students participated in the fact-finding mission - boys and girls all aged between 15 and 17 – and were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the IATA-accredited training academy with its state-of-the-art flight simulators, and to a briefing from Captain Naeem Alameri on the airline's Cadet Pilot Programme

Wissam Hachem, Etihad Airways' Vice President Training and Development, said: "Etihad Airways offers young Emiratis unprecedented opportunities to start a career in the exciting global aviation industry, whether it is through our graduate management programme, as a cadet pilot, or in the engineering apprentice programme.”

"As students start to consider a career in the tourism sector, it is important that they acknowledge the important function the airline industry holds in contributing to the industry and its economic diversification function -  and there is no better place to be inspired than the Etihad Training Academy,” said Fatima Al Melhi, Industry Awareness Executive, TCA Abu Dhabi. “The facilities and opportunities within Etihad Airways are first class, and we encourage them to consider the aviation sector as a future career option.“ 

The Tourism Youth Summer Camp sees students take part in various workshops designed to boost their awareness of the emirate's tourism industry and inherent economic, social and environmental impacts; embark on field trips to better acquaint them with Abu Dhabi's expanding tourism offering and participate in team building exercises to develop their interpersonal skills.

With various stakeholders contributing prizes for high performers, the students also undertake fact-finding field trips of Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Zayed Centre, Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and the Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre.

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.