Emirati workforce thriving in Aerospace

Strata Manufacturing PJSC (Strata), an aero-structures manufacturing facility wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company, has been making significant strides in its efforts to recruit, train, and promote local talent. Through a partnership with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and Lockheed Martin, Strata offers a program that trains UAE Nationals as aircraft composite technicians, and just recently welcomed a new group of 53 Emirati graduates of the technicians training program to its workforce. Earlier this year, Strata celebrated other important milestones, with two of its Emirati women receiving certifications in important regulatory areas, and the fostering of five others into more advanced positions. Badr Al Olama, Strata CEO, said, "We are proud of the individual and collective achievements of these talented Emirati men and women who will become the future leaders of the aerospace industry in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Strata's training and subsequent employment and development of highly skilled Emiratis not only supports the local Al Ain community, but also underpins the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's economy through the export of advanced aero-structures." Since developing the technicians training program two years ago, Strata has become one of the leading employers of UAE Nationals in Al Ain, training over 150 Emiratis in highly technical roles. The training program has also had a substantial impact on the Emiratisation ratio of the company, with over 30% of Strata's current workforce consisting of UAE Nationals, a number which is expected to rise to 50% by 2015. Earlier this year, Strata celebrated two other very important milestones in the development of UAE Nationals in the aerospace industry. Khawla Al Raissi, a 27 year old Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Engineer became the first UAE National to ever achieve X-Ray Level 3 qualification in NDT, in accordance with international aerospace standards required by all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Obtaining this qualification means that Strata is better positioned to deliver training and certification to its own NDT X-Ray inspectors. Khawla Al Raissi said, "It is an honor to be recognized as the first Emirati engineer to obtain this important qualification. Working for a company like Strata, which places so much emphasis on offering training and guidance to its employees, has definitely helped me reach this point in my career." Hessa Al Ghaithi, a 24 year old Emirati woman has also become the first Emirati female Export Control Coordinator. As part of her role, Hessa ensures that Strata remains in compliance with complex and continuously developing international export control regulations, which dictate the requirements for import and export of items and technical data inside and outside the UAE. As part of its commitment to the development of talented future technicians and leaders, Strata has also recently promoted five Emirati women from Aerospace Technicians to Team Leaders.