TRA, Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), and Qureos Agree to Train BETHA Graduates

15/12/2020

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) represented by ICT Fund, signed an MoU with Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and Qureos on training students of ICT Fund’s BETHA Programme through Qureos platform and Jafza’s Tumoohi Programme 2020.

The agreement provides for selecting students from the ICT Fund’s BETHA Programme to join Jafza’s Tumoohi Programme, with the aim of achieving TRA vision in qualifying and increasing the percentage of Emiratisation in the ICT sector. The student selection process will take place through Qureos platform, which will allow students to participate in solving virtual challenges that simulate the professional reality, in order to measure the capabilities required in completing the challenges identified by Jafza. Additionally, qualified candidates will be interviewed for actual projects assigned by Tumoohi, which will last for 4 months.

Commenting on this agreement, H.E. Eng. Majed Al Mesmar, ICT Fund’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “In an ever-changing business environment, and in light of the unprecedented acceleration of technologies and professional methods, there is a need to refine the skills and adapt them to the needs of the times and its tools. TRA is interested in strengthening national competencies, and preparing Emirati youth to lead the vital ICT sector that forms the backbone of development in all sectors. BETHA Programme is part of TRA’s efforts in this context. Moreover, based on the importance of partnership between various sectors, we conclude this agreement, which will support our future plans that are part of the UAE vision for the next 50.”

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region and CEO of Jafza, said: “We at DP World, UAE Region are dedicated to supporting our wise government in its goals to bring about employment growth for talented young Emiratis. We are thrilled to collaborate with TRA and Qureos. This is a great association as there is an increasing need to train and nurture new talent so that the future of the ICT sector is in safe hands. We are happy that through Jafza’s Tumoohi Programme, we can provide youngsters with a platform where they can showcase their abilities.”

Through this collaboration with TRA and Qureos, Jafza’s Tumoohi Programme will act as an incubator where the Emirati youth can explore numerous possibilities and understand the working of the industry. The BETHA graduates will get the opportunity to train at varied sectors; such as logistics, automotive & spare parts, food & agriculture commodities, retail & e-commerce, and petrochemicals; in the free zone that is home to 100 Fortune 500 companies and top multinationals. This collaboration will mould future innovators and leaders, helping them reach their full potential with the assistance of professional experts who will guide and mentor them.

Alexander Epure, Co-Founder of Qureos said: “Qureos is bridging the skill gap in the transition from academia-to-career. This is achieved by allowing students, graduates and early in career to work remotely on corporate micro projects and apprenticeships with mentorship from industry experts. Micro projects are paid professional short-term assignments that are similar to those given to a new hire or full-time intern and can be executed remotely.”

Alexander also added: “Qureos was founded with the mission to create a social learning environment and enable the next generation to tap into the collective knowledge of industry experts on demand. Under the guidance of industry mentors, apprentices are empowered to engage in corporate micro projects and develop the necessary skills expected in their future careers. This approach sets up a win-win scenario for corporates and apprentices alike.”

According to the MoU, BETHA students will implement the projects using Qureos platform services, such as daily tasks, expert professional guidance, and virtual meetings. By the end of the programme, students will hand over completed projects to Jafza.

Qureos will create a profile for DP World, publish projects on the platform, select and evaluate relevant participants' skills as part of the application process, classify talents, shortlist candidates, appoint a professional expert to guide and mentor those qualified through the platform, and coordinate to start implementing projects through its platform and tools, in addition to the weekly guidance and direction on the projects, and weekly task review and evaluation.

TRA is committed to enhancing competencies and innovation in various segments of society, and it is keen to enhance Emiratization and coordination in this regard with the relevant ministries and entities. It is also working to enhance the skills of its various teams through its advanced training plan.

BETHA programme, which was launched by ICT Fund - one of TRA initiatives - aims to enhance the role and position of the national education sector by supporting and sponsoring scientifically distinguished national cadres to advance the education process in the country in ICT disciplines, to fulfill the ICT sector annual growing needs, as well as the growing demand for national human resources specialized in this sector.