Dubai - MENA Herald: Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), a regional leader in banking and finance education and training, has announced the launch of its 2016 training plan and programs at the institute’s Human Resources (HR) Forum. The comprehensive curriculum has been designed to equip banking and financial services professionals with industry-specific knowledge and advanced financial skills.
Hosting prominent regional HR and talent development managers and experts at the institute’s Dubai campus, the HR Forum offered insights into EIBFS’s structured and quality assured training programs for 2016 designed to meet the dynamic demands of the region’s financial services industry.
Following months of consultations with focus group committees comprised of recruitment supervisors and banking experts and weeks of evaluations of previous training curriculums and industry demands, EIBFS has tailored a sophisticated training plan for UAE citizens and professionals attempting to establish enduring careers in the banking and financial services sector.
Commenting on the EIBFS 2016 training programs, Jamal Al Jassmi, General Manager of EIBFS, said: “EIBFS is committed to our objective of providing advanced, upgraded and best-in-class specialized knowledge and training programs specific to the banking and financial services sector. Our revamped training program for the 2016 academic year is aimed at raising the standard of employee performance in the financial services industry, while grooming generations of professionals and positioning and qualifying them for real-time workplace opportunities. A highly trained workforce will benefit the UAE banking and financial services sector as a whole, and cascade a positive difference in the global perception of the UAE as a sectoral leader.”
He added: “We thank the leading HR and banking experts for supporting our efforts and contributing to the development of our refined training strategy for the upcoming year. We hope to collaborate with industry thought leaders in the future and invite UAE citizens to benefit from our enhanced and exceptional training courses and certificates.”
The forum featured a range of presentations led by senior managers from the banking and finance services industry who highlighted the institute’s revamped training and leadership programs and reiterated the focus on professional certificates. They also discussed the merits of the enhanced online education portal.
EIBFS is projected to welcome 20,000 trainees in 2016 in all training activities. In the upcoming year, EIBFS will offer 550 Annual Training Plan (ATP) programs, 68 e-learning courses, 10 professional certificates, eight workshops, three Leadership programs, and national development programs and customized training programs as per the banks need and requirements.
Initiating the discussions, Fahd Khalaf, Emiratization Manager at RAK Bank, spearheaded a meeting of 30 HR and training representatives and outlined the 2016 training program initiatives.
During the meeting, Shekhar Sawant, Head Learning and Development at Emirates NBD Bank, emphasized EIBFS’s support and success in encouraging Emiratization in the banking and financial services industry. In 2015 alone, 300 UAE citizens graduated from the EIBFS banking programs.
Speaking on the importance of Emiratization, Shekhar Sawant said: “I commend the EIBFS 2016 program in developing and delivering components that provide specialized skill sets and knowledge to Emirati citizens seeking opportunities to launch their careers.”
According to Aisha Ali Muaini, Senior Marketing Manager at Emirates NBD, a graduate from the EIBFS Leadership program in collaboration with University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, the institute’s leadership programs are an exciting opportunity for career advancement and offers unparalleled training opportunities in leadership and management.
Speaking on the program, Al Muaini added: “Emirati citizens can leverage the institute’s support and pay half the costs for a three-week unique and transformative student exchange experience in the United States.”
EIBFS also offers highly valued professional certification designed in collaboration with leading financial institutions who understand the level of competencies and requirements to find employment in the financial services sector.
Funeka Shweni, Head of Talent and Employee Development at Dubai Commercial Bank, said: “We have had a successful and fruitful collaboration with EIBFS. In the past, we have sent 40 of our bank employees to participate in the institute’s internationally accredited professional certificates. We hope to continue our partnership with EIBFS and support the institute’s professional certificates for years to come.”
Moreover, discussing the EIBFS 2016 online education offerings, Sameer Nath, on the Learning and Development Team at the National Bank of Fujairah PJSC, said: “The online education portal comprises 68 programs that provide training opportunities to about 3,500 trainees who represent 10% of all professionals working in the banking and financial services sector. This program facilitates and supports self-development and continuing education opportunities for all generations of professionals while enhancing performance and furthering career development.”
Potential trainees can register for training programs through the EIBFS Training Application.