Italian trainees source opportunities through Etihad partnership

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has selected 12 Italian trainees to join its engineering division and take part in a unique training opportunity on the fleet of one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.

The trainees were chosen after extensive assessments, and once qualified will have an opportunity to develop their careers at the aircraft line and light maintenance facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport as it continues to expand. The Graduate Engineering programmes are conducted by Etihad Engineering in partnership with the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.

The initial two-year, college-based part of the programme will be followed by a further two years of practical, on-the-job training. The comprehensive programme will allow trainees to obtain a B1 (Engineering License in Airframe and Engines) or B2 (Avionics) License in Aviation Engineering Technology, accredited by both the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Jeff Wilkinson, Senior Vice President of Technical for Etihad Airways, said, "This is a great opportunity for young people from our equity partners to immerse themselves within an organisation of engineering excellence. In doing so, they will acquire the knowledge, skills and experience which will enable them, and the organisation they represent, to grow personally and professionally."

The UAE and Italy already share strong links through a partnership between Etihad Airways and Alitalia, with the airlines acting as the official global carriers for Expo Milano 2015. The carriers have played a key role in bringing international visitors to the event, with an estimated eight million attendees travelling to the conference by air.

The training opportunity is an extension of the close working relationship between the two nations and is providing development opportunities for young Italians in the Middle East.