Strata Manufacturing PJSC (Strata), the advanced composite aerostructures manufacturing facility wholly-owned by Mubadala Development Company, celebrated the graduation of 42 Emirati nationals from its aerostructures technician program on September 7, 2014, at the grand ballroom, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) crescent building, Al Ain. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU and the leadership team at Strata.

Developed as part of Strata’s partnership with UAEU and Lockheed Martin, the program is designed to train Emirati nationals and develop their capabilities to work and grow in the aerospace sector. The program has graduated 175 Emiratis to date, and these graduates, part of the program’s sixth and seventh batches, are set to join Strata’s almost 40% Emirati workforce, a percentage which is expected to rise to 50% by the end of 2015.

Badr Al Olama, Chief Executive Officer of Strata, commented: 

“The training, development and employment of Emirati nationals is a fundamental part of Strata's objectives, and the success of this training program is a key indicator of our performance. We are proud to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a sustainable knowledge-based economy, and in doing so we are ensuring our workforce is provided with the highest quality of technical training and education. Emirati nationals at Strata hold various leadership positions in several key functions across our business, including operations, commercial, HR, engineering and finance.  These men and women are making a mark on the aerospace industry and supporting the establishment of a global aerospace hub for Abu Dhabi.”

“Within less than five years of operations, Strata has grown to become a partner of choice for such major Original Equipment Manufacturers as Boeing and Airbus, with the value of our commitments and contracts already estimated at USD $7.5 billion by 2030,” Al Olama added.

Strata’s work culture incorporates continuous training and recognition of outstanding work. Through the inclusion of a number of intensive courses in management and leadership, Strata’s employees are empowered to fully realize their capabilities in the challenging aerostructures manufacturing environment.

In addition to its educational, training and development programs, Strata has also launched a campaign to attract young UAE nationals to join the company and play a role in further developing the UAE’s aerospace industry. To find out more about joining, please visit: www.strata.ae