ENEC Opens 2012 Intake for Nuclear Energy Scholarship Program

14.05.12

75 scholarships available in growing nuclear energy industry

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced the opening of the 2012 intake for the UAE Nuclear Energy Scholarship Program. Offering a total of 75 positions, the scholarships are part of ENEC’s Energy Pioneers program which aims to attract and train the country’s most talented science students and experienced professionals, and provide them with an opportunity to become pioneers of the emerging nuclear energy sector.

The Energy Pioneers program is critical in building a national skill base to staff the UAE’s nuclear energy industry, which will help power the future growth of the nation. The Energy Pioneers 2012 will join more than 170 students currently sponsored under the UAE Nuclear Energy Scholarships Program. ENEC expects to require more than 2,000 employees by 2020, with a target of 60 per cent Emiratization. At the end of their study, scholarship students can join the ENEC team and work towards delivering safe, clean efficient and reliable nuclear energy to the UAE. As a young dynamic and rapidly growing industry for the UAE, nuclear energy offers a wide range of career opportunities for the UAE’s best performing students.

ENEC is also recruiting experienced professionals including engineers from all fields, technicians, operators and business professionals for a range of positions. Currently, ENEC employs more than 400 people, with 60% of these positions occupied by Emiratis.

“It is an exciting time for Emirati students to choose a career in nuclear energy. We are looking for the best and brightest, and those who make the cut can expect to be at the forefront of the development of a new industry as the UAE’s nuclear energy pioneers,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC.

“We are committed to setting a new standard in best practice, which means continuous investment in our people and their professional development. Our scholarship students study at some of the world’s leading universities, which puts them on a course for exciting, challenging and rewarding careers in nuclear energy. Developing our local talent into the future leaders of the industry will help us achieve our goals,” continued Al Hammadi.

“There are scholarships available for chemical, nuclear, mechanical and electrical engineering through the Bachelors Degree Program, offering study in top universities in the UAE and USA,” said Azzah Al Sharhan, Human Resources Director at ENEC. “The Masters Degree Program offers scholarships and is open to engineering and physics graduates locally at the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research. We will be visiting schools and universities across the UAE over the coming two months to meet students and answer all their questions about working in the nuclear sector and how to apply.”

Students can also apply online with the full details available from ENEC’s website, www.enec.gov.abudhabi/scholarships. ENEC has developed the scholarship initiative together with Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KU), and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), with teaching provided by leading academics and professionals in the industry. The Bachelors Program prepares students to enter the nuclear energy industry as a qualified engineer, fully trained and ready to address the nation’s growing energy demands. The Masters Program allows engineering and physics graduates to progress their training with advanced studies in nuclear engineering. Khalifa University delivers both programs in the UAE.

Internationally, ENEC partners with some of the world’s leading universities and institutions including the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A Higher Diploma in Advanced Energy Engineering scholarship is also available, delivered in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. This course combines theory with technical training, leading to a specialized Diploma, as well as job qualification certificates in operating, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control, chemical, and radiation protection specializations.

ENEC is also seeking qualified UAE nationals to train for a select number of Senior Reactor Operator positions needed for the nation’s first nuclear power plants.

ENEC was established to develop and manage the nation’s peaceful nuclear energy program which is expected to meet up to a quarter of the UAE’s energy demands by 2020. Committed to providing safe, reliable, clean and efficient nuclear energy, and open and transparent development, the UAE has been widely praised for its Gold Standard energy program.