Emirates Global Aluminium launches national programme to encourage UAE schoolchildren to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics

’Engineer the Future’ campaign will reach 8,000 students in 30 schools.

United Arab Emirates, 15 November 2017: Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, today launched a national programme to encourage high school students to consider further studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The programme, called ‘Engineer the Future’, aims to reach 8,000 students in 30 schools across the UAE this academic year with interactive learning sessions on aluminium and the fundamental science on which the aluminium industry is based.

‘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.

EGA has been a major employer of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians since it began production in 1979.

EGA currently employs over 1,540 professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based roles, from laboratory scientists to financial analysts. Over 500 of this group are UAE Nationals and almost 200 are women.

EGA’s ‘Engineer the Future’ programme is aimed at students in Grades 9, 10 and 11 and compliments the existing school curriculum on subjects including electronics, physics, robotics, chemistry, renewable energy and science The programme is designed to develop scientific and critical thinking as well as analytical and collaborative working skills..

Abdulla Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at EGA, said: “We all recognise that we need more scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians to build the UAE of tomorrow. That includes EGA, where we need these forward-thinkers to grow and one day lead our business. This programme is one way EGA can encourage more students to study these subjects and consider these important careers with us or with other companies that are engineering our national future.”

EGA focuses its graduate recruitment on science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.
EGA also provides scholarships to students, principally in mechanical, electrical, chemical and industrial engineering. EGA has sponsored more than 350 students through education since 2001.
In addition EGA has recruited some 80 UAE Nationals into technical positions through its national training programmes.