Abu Dhabi Aviation Group to train 35 Emirati students yearly in aircraft maintenance engineering

Programme overview and objectives

According to Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector at the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi, the scheme aims to link Emirati talent with lasting career routes in priority sectors. He noted that the initiative already counts more than 65 UAE nationals among its participants and offers a clear path to professional licensing, allowing students to work while they finish their academic qualifications.

Training pathway and industry partners

Participants become employees of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group at the start of their studies and receive hands‑on training across the group’s aviation businesses, namely Etihad Engineering, Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL), the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center (AMMROC) and Abu Dhabi Aerospace Services. The curriculum includes two years of supervised practical work that aligns with the requirements for the General Civil Aviation Authority’s B1, B1.3 or B2 aircraft maintenance licences. Learners may also pursue additional specialist certifications and take part in technical projects as they advance.

First anniversary event and admission details

The programme celebrated its first anniversary with a gathering at Erth Abu Dhabi on 7 October, attended by students, technical teams, company leaders, government officials and programme partners. Discussions centred on learners’ progress, career ambitions and development needs. Mahmood Alhay Al Hamli, Group Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Aviation Group, remarked, “Through the programme, we are giving young Emiratis the opportunity to begin their professional journey while still studying, enabling them to combine academic knowledge with practical experience from day one.” Al Jeer is delivered together with Mawaheb Talent Hub, which forms part of the Department of Government Enablement in Abu Dhabi and helps Emiratis access specialised career openings through employer partnerships. Dr Abdulla Al Shimmari added that through this partnership, they provide the young Emiratis the opportunity to gain the knowledge, practical experience and skills required by the labour market, strengthening their readiness and competitiveness while opening new opportunities for long-term professional growth. Admission involves several stages of assessment and interviews, with roughly one‑third of those who reach the final interview stage being offered a place. As the initiative moves into its second year, the planned yearly intake of 35 students will create further chances for Emiratis interested in aircraft maintenance engineering, a field that demands academic qualifications, supervised practical experience and professional licensing.