The Emirates Human Resources Development Council (EHRDC) has renewed its partnership with Keolis MHI to train young talent (university students) across Dubai, imparting technical and work skills before they enter the workforce.

Launched in 2024, the initiative has empowered over 100 students, nearly 65% of whom are young Emiratis.

These students have gained practical training in new technologies and engineering fields, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, information technology, mechatronics, international relations, marketing and communications, project management, computer science, network and systems administration, and more. This initiative ensures that young talent is ready to work while meeting the digital economy and smart transport sector requirements.

The program also aims to familiarise students with practical workplace experience, increasing their employment prospects in leading technology, transport, and infrastructure companies.

Last year, under the Emiratisation program, they trained their newly hired Emirati employees in both theoretical and practical skills essential for rail operations and maintenance, including automatic train control systems, automated fare collection, power supply systems, and infrastructure, along with mentoring from senior experts.

His Excellency Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Deputy Chairman of EHRDC and Director-General of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, said: “At EHRDC, we strive to establish strong strategic partnerships with private sector companies to create new opportunities for Emirati talent, further contributing to the nation’s vision of fostering a sustainable, knowledge-based economy driven by national expertise, technological innovation, and future industries.”

He also emphasised that this partnership aims to empower national talent through hands-on training and professional qualification courses.

The trained students will be able to explore better opportunities and meet the requirements of the future job market.

Abdulaziz Al Falahi, General Superintendent of Recruitment at EHRDC, added, “The partnership with Keolis MHI embodies the Council's commitment to empowering Emirati students by equipping them with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in the competitive job market.” He also emphasised the Council’s dedication to providing practical training opportunities in key sectors such as transportation and technology, ensuring that the next generation of national talent is well-prepared to drive economic growth and support the UAE’s digital transformation.

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David Franks, Managing Director of Keolis MHI, also emphasized the impact of this collaboration with EHRDC in attracting, nurturing, and developing a vast pool of young Emirati talent. He also assured that the company is committed to fostering “an advanced training environment that equips students with vital technical skills, boosts their competitiveness, and prepares them to succeed in the smart transport sector while contributing to its continuous development.”

Amal Abdullatif, Chief People Officer at Keolis MHI, added, “Rail transport’s next generation stands as a strategic pillar of the future of smart mobility. We are delighted to partner with EHRDC in providing 100 apprenticeship opportunities for Emirati students during our 2025 intake. With 14 students already on board, we encourage eligible and ambitious candidates to submit their applications.”