The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) yesterday celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from its Nuclear Energy Technology Diploma programme, which the company developed to strengthen the role of Emirati talent in the nuclear energy sector — a milestone in ENEC's journey to develop specialised Emirati expertise in the field.
20 graduates completed the requirements of the programme, which is delivered at ENEC's headquarters and at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the United Arab Emirates.
The graduation ceremony was held in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC and its group of companies, along with senior management of its subsidiaries, in recognition of the first cohort's efforts and their future contributions to the UAE's peaceful nuclear programme.
The Nuclear Energy Technology Diploma is a preparatory programme with a duration of 24 months, designed to provide initial training for high-achieving Emirati secondary school graduates who wish to pursue careers in the peaceful nuclear energy sector.
The programme is delivered by ENEC-certified trainers alongside international experts, combining theoretical and practical training, and equipping participants with foundational knowledge in science and engineering as well as nuclear power plant systems and operations.
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will take up positions as field operators and local maintenance technicians at the Barakah plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, contributing to the safe and reliable supply of clean electricity to the UAE.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC and its group of companies, said: "ENEC continues to focus on sustainably developing Emirati talent with the aim of advancing the UAE's peaceful nuclear programme. The Nuclear Energy Technology Diploma programme forms part of the company's focus on operational excellence at the peaceful Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, as well as its commitment to building national capabilities and equipping the next generation of young Emiratis with the expertise needed to support safe and reliable operations over the coming decades."
Al Hammadi added: "We are proud of the first cohort of Nuclear Energy Technology Diploma graduates and look forward to seeing them succeed in their careers in the nuclear energy sector and contribute to the excellence of the Barakah plant model and the UAE as a whole."