Stem Education to be a central theme for New Aerospace Ambassadors Programme

Global Aerospace Ambassadors Programme aims to inspire aviation leaders of the future

30 March, 2014- Abu Dhabi, UAE:Inspiring the next generation of industry leaders will be a key focus for Abu Dhabi’s second Global Aerospace Summit, with the launch of the new Global Aerospace Ambassadors Programme.

The programme will focus on workforce development and how to encourage young Emiratis to choose career paths in the aerospace, aviation, defence and space industries. The initiative will welcome UAE Nationals studying engineering in universities in the UAE to learn more about the opportunities that studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects will create for them.

By being exposed to some of the most exciting developments in the aerospace and aviation industries, the participants will be encouraged to excel at scientific subjects, knowing that success in these areas can lead to careers at the cutting edge of the sectors.

The sessions will also provide a platform for the private sector and higher education bodies to discuss and strategise the future of industry and academia workforce and research cooperation.

Homaid Al Shemmari, Chief Executive Officer, Aerospace & Engineering Services at Mubadala, commented: “A main challenge we face in our industry is Human Capital Development and this will become more pronounced as the Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park grows and emerges as an aviation, manufacturing and maintenance hub. One of our main objectives is getting our youth excited about STEM subjects today in order to fill these future jobs with highly skilled professionals. The Global Aerospace Ambassadors Programme is a direct and strategic initiative that will help us to achieve this objective.”

Hussein Dabbas, IATA Vice President for Africa-Middle East, said: “The Middle East is the fastest-growing aviation region in the world, and airlines in the region will need over 2,600 new aircraft over the next 20 years. These aircraft will need 50,000 skilled technicians to service this growth. Around 74% of airlines and independent Maintenance, Repair & Operations companies in the region expect to recruit new engineering and technical personnel within the next 5 years.

“For this to happen, students must be encouraged to study STEM subjects so that future engineers have the right skills to take the industry forward,” added Hussein.

The Global Aerospace Ambassadors sessions will take place on 7th and 8th April 2014 as part of the second Global Aerospace Summit in Abu Dhabi. A panel on 7thApril will focus on ensuring there is a globally qualified workforce in the aerospace, aviation, defence and space industries. 8thApril will see a panel focusing on universities and R&D- exploring the vital role of academia in the aerospace eco-system. The Global Aerospace Summit will also include strategic sessions focusing on professional development, industry mentoring and nationalisation programmes within the industry.

Hosted by Mubadala in Abu Dhabi, the Global Aerospace Summit is a strategic, invitation only, interactive forum where global industry leaders join to discuss industry issues, identify growth strategies, technological developments and shape the future of aerospace,  aviation, space and defence.