Second batch launched in collaboration with leading global firms to cultivate work culture and real-world competencies from an early age.
ABU DHABI: In a significant move to prepare the next generation of UAE nationals for the evolving economic landscape, the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC) has launched the second batch of the ‘Alpha Program’. Driven by Nafis in collaboration with the Nafis Youth Council, the initiative specifically targets Emirati middle school students to instill a robust private sector work culture and foster essential career competencies from an early stage.
The program aligns closely with the long-term strategic direction of Nafis and the UAE leadership’s vision to cultivate a highly competitive national workforce capable of steering ongoing economic transformations. By introducing “Generation Alpha” to the demands of the modern workplace, the initiative ensures young Emiratis develop into the preferred choice for the future labor market.
A Two-Phase Approach to Career Readiness
The Alpha Program is structured into two distinct developmental phases designed to blend foundational knowledge with hands-on corporate experience:
- Phase 1: Interactive Skill-Building Workshops: Kicking off at the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain branches of Emirates National Schools, this phase is delivered by members of the Nafis Youth Council. Students engage in interactive workshops to explore prospective career paths tailored to their personal interests while mastering foundational professional skills like resume writing and interview navigation.
- Phase 2: Corporate Job Simulation: Moving beyond the classroom, students participate in an intensive five-day job simulation. Partnering with elite private-sector giants—including PwC, Deloitte, Presight, AtkinsRéalis, and the Bee’ah Group—the program offers a real-world look into corporate operations, building practical confidence and technical acumen.
Early Investment in National Talent
Underscoring the importance of early-stage career development, Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the ETCC, emphasized that readiness for the competitive global market must begin during formative school years.
“We firmly believe that preparing the next generation for the job market starts at early stages of their education,” Al Mazrouei stated. “The Alpha Program is an important opportunity to introduce students to the demands of the work environment across industries, especially within the private sector. Such exposure will significantly boost their confidence in their capabilities.”
By bridging the gap between early academic education and practical corporate expectations, Nafis continues to strengthen the country’s national human capital framework, supporting the UAE’s overarching vision for a resilient, innovation-driven future economy.
