Fincantieri and Khalifa University launch naval programme

(AGI) Abu Dhabi, Jan 6 - A study bursary and training programme have been set up by Khalifa University and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The programme, at the university Abu Dhabi campus, is intended to support the Emirates naval industry and train local workers. The launch was attended by the Italian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates,Liborio Stellino, and Khalifa University's senior management and members of Fincantieri. The programme is aimed at Emirate students and is the first of its kind in the country. Ten students have taken part in the first round of training, sponsored by Fincantieri in Genoa. The six-week internships were organised with the group's Naval Technology Centre CETENA, to bolster the students' naval engineering and architechiture skills, with lessons in theory, practical exercises and site visits to the group's facilities in Genoa, La Spezia and Monfalcone. Finacantieri is providing support and logistical maintenance services to the country's navy and the project will supply staff for its joint venture in Abu Dhabi, Etihhad Ship Building. "This collaboration will certainly benefit not just Khalifa University students and Fincantieri, but the UAE's Navy and overall naval economy," said Dr Tod Laursen, President of Khalifa University. "Partnerships between academia and industry are vital for providing the human capital and know how needed to continuously expand the UAE's economy and push forward areas of key development. We look forward to seeing how our students benefit from this cooperation, as much as they look forward to the exciting international internships and scholarship opportunities." Fincantieri expressed its support for the AEU's fine maritime tradition and its role as a strategic hub for an entire region, and said it was proud to be taking part in the economic growth of the Persian Gulf. It said it knew that young people, such as those who took part in the internships in Italy, were those who could help to make it happen. Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research is one of the most prestigious universities in the Persian Gulf. (AGI).
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