28
February
2018
|
13:15
Europe/Amsterdam

EGA’s ‘Engineer the Future’ programme reaches 3,000 high school students in UAE so far

EGA’s ‘Engineer the Future’ programme reaches 3,000 high school students in UAE so far

United Arab Emirates, 28 February 2018 --- Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, marked a milestone during Innovation Month as its ‘Engineer the Future’ programme to engage the nation’s high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics reached its 3,000th student.

The programme, which was launched in November, aims to encourage young people to consider further studies and careers in the subjects, which are collectively known as STEM, through interactive workshops and practical projects.

‘UAE Vision 2021’ calls for UAE students to reach world-class attainment in science and mathematics subjects and for the UAE to transition to a knowledge-based economy that focuses on innovation, research and development.

Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said: “Science, technology, engineering and mathematics will play a vital role in shaping the future of the UAE, and the country needs more professionals in these fields. ‘Engineer the Future’ is designed to encourage young people in their interest in these subjects, contributing to the development of our national human capital.”

Last year, EGA commissioned a nation-wide survey that found that 40 per cent of 18-24 year old UAE Nationals are interested in entering STEM fields, far more than their parents’ generation. Some 85 per cent of young people and 87 per cent of parents saw careers in STEM as more likely to contribute to national development than careers in other fields.

EGA employs more than 1,540 professionals in STEM related fields, including some 500 UAE Nationals.