Lockheed Martin has honoured the achievements of 56 UAE interns at the third annual graduation ceremony for its Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) internship programme. The event, held on January 30 at the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, also welcomed 15 alumni from previous cohorts, reinforcing the company’s dedication to STEM education and human capital development in the UAE.
Originally launched in 2017 with just four students, the CISS internship programme has expanded into a year-round initiative to meet increasing demand. The annual graduation ceremonies, now in their third edition, celebrate students who completed internships across spring, summer and fall terms.
The 2024 cohort featured a diverse group, with 37% women and 55% Emirati nationals. The ceremony, hosted by Gen. John Nicholson (U.S. Army, Ret.), Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Middle East, and CISS Manager Hala Majeed Al Zargani, highlighted innovative projects developed by the interns. The event was attended by dignitaries, business leaders, academics and members of the diplomatic community, culminating in a certificate presentation.
Nicholson said: “Developing human capital is essential to building a knowledge-based economy in the UAE. Through our STEM-focused internship programme, we are equipping the next generation with the skills to drive innovation, sustain economic growth, and contribute meaningfully to the aerospace and defence sectors.”
Al Zargani added: “Our graduates have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity and technical expertise. Their work on real-world projects prepares them to excel in critical industries shaping the future and encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that will be crucial in tackling complex challenges.”
The CISS programme provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence for automating foreign object debris identification, defence system modelling and simulation and space exploration initiatives. As part of Lockheed Martin’s commitment to Emiratisation and workforce development, the programme is set to expand further, with plans to double its training capacity in the coming years.
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