barclay’s bank finds education, training and careers exhibition
instrumental for opening new branch
The final day of NAJAH, the education, training and careers exhibition organised by IIR ME, has been a great success, helping students to decide their next step as well as bringing companies in contact with potential employees.
Barclays, one of the leading UK banks, used the exhibition to locate Abu Dhabi-based employees for their new branch, opening in the beginning of 2008. The bank has been collecting CVs from UAE nationals for the new branch, as well as inviting candidates who may not have prior banking experience who will benefit from an initiation period at a brand new training facility to be established in Abu Dhabi.
“Exhibiting at NAJAH has been a great opportunity to find people to work with us,” a representative at the Barclays exhibition stand said. “The visitors we have met have been really enthusiastic about finding jobs and it is a positive development to bring more Nationals into the private sector, as well as in the government. The exhibition has provided excellent opportunities for graduates, especially those in Abu Dhabi.”
Another leading international bank, ABN AMRO, also met potential candidates and has been collecting CVs from students, graduates and professionals alike. The company also gave a seminar as part of the Youth Educational Seminar programme today about building a career in the banking and finance industry, which included tips and what to expect once the job is landed.
The Youth Educational Seminars gave students a platform to exchange ideas and possible solutions to their education and career choices. Speakers, from all over the world, included representatives from large international companies to the Abu Dhabi Emiratisation Council and the British Council. Featured seminars included how to write the best CV, advice about entering specific industry sectors and information about studying abroad.
Arabian assessments, a Dubai-based company that provided online psychometrics and occupational assessments at the exhibition, welcomed queues of students patiently waiting to take their turn. The job profiling tests measured personality and values within the workplace and the results, which were printed immediately, enabled students to walk away with some idea of what job they could seek.
The careers lounge was fully attended with a high response from students who discussed what they should do for their future careers with professional counselors. Students were pointed in the direction of universities and training centres which could help them achieve their goals.
Exhibitors at the event commented on the opportunities to meet representatives from governmental bodies and institutions which they would not otherwise be able to do. Officials from the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Abu Dhabi Emiratisation Council, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education were all on hand to build relationships with exhibitors as well as meet students and their parents.
The universities present, such as Abu Dhabi University and Paris-Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, were visited in great numbers by Abu Dhabi students who took advantage of the exhibition to learn about higher education opportunities. Training centres and the Abu Dhabi Emiratisation Council discussed employment possibilities for Emirati men and women of all ages.
NAJAH exhibition has provided students, their parents and HR professionals with the opportunity to meet important representatives from the education, training and industry sectors in order to help develop the next generation of the UAE
The Middle East HR Summit, which runs alongside NAJAH, has also been extremely busy. More than 50 international and regional HR experts shared their expertise at the Summit which offers more than 25 information-packed sessions, specialist streams, interactive workshops and the highly respected Middle East HR Summit Excellence Awards Gala Dinner.
