Latest news with #talentdevelopment
Zawya
03-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
NBO reaffirms commitment to Omani talent through Tomorrows' Leaders Programme onboarding
2 August, Muscat: The National Bank of Oman (NBO) recently welcomed 35 promising graduates into its flagship NBO Tomorrows' Leaders Programme, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to investing in local talent and building a resilient, future-ready workforce for the Sultanate. The onboarding event marked the beginning of a structured journey for the selected candidates, who were chosen through a comprehensive assessment and interview process. Designed to nurture early-career professionals, the NBO Tomorrows' Leaders Programme plays a key role in preparing Oman's youth for long-term careers in the banking and financial sector. Dr. Ali Moosa Al Abri, General Manager & Chief Human Resources Officer at NBO, said, "Talent development is one of our core priorities and we take pride in building a culture that supports growth at every stage of a professional journey. Welcoming these young graduates into our programme reflects our belief in Omani potential and our responsibility to empower the next generation of national leaders. This is not just about filling roles; it is about preparing individuals to navigate complexity, embrace change and lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving environment. For over 50 years, NBO has carried a proud legacy of investing in people. The Academy of Excellence stands as a cornerstone of that heritage, having long been at the forefront of developing local talent in the financial sector. Our future depends on how well we equip today's talent, and we are committed to doing so with intention and care. The Programme aligns with Oman Vision 2040 objectives to enable a generation of capable, empowered youth who contribute to building a stronger, more prosperous nation," Al Abri added. The NBO Tomorrows' Leaders Programme is part of the bank's broader strategy to nurture Omani talent across all career levels. This includes Tamayuz, a high-potential development initiative aimed at equipping emerging leaders within the bank with the skills, experience and mentorship required to potentially take on senior roles. In parallel, NBO runs an annual internship programme, offering university students across the Sultanate meaningful on-the-job training that bridges academic learning with real-world experience. Together, these initiatives form a cohesive framework that reflects NBO's purpose-driven approach to human capital development. By supporting talent from entry through mid-career, the bank continues to play an active role in advancing national goals for workforce sustainability and economic empowerment.
Zawya
03-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BENEFIT partners with General Assembly to empower national tech talent
BENEFIT, the Kingdom's innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Assembly Bahrain, marking a strategic partnership to support the development of national talent and empower their capabilities within the tech sector. The signing ceremony took place at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF). The MoU outlines BENEFIT's access to the General Assembly's pool of trained professionals for recruitment purposes. With the ability to share job openings to facilitate candidate matching. The agreement further encompasses the implementation of specialized training programs, including a range of upskilling and reskilling options such as Career development, accelerators, part-time courses, and bootcamps in tech disciplines. Furthermore, the agreement includes cooperation in organizing joint events and meetings, participation in career fairs, and opportunities for representatives from both organizations to contribute as guest speakers at relevant events. It also highlights plans for UX Design Capstone Collaborations, as well as joint efforts in the areas of marketing. Commenting on the occasion, Reyadh Almearaj, Chief Information Officer -BENEFIT stated: 'We are pleased to formalize this partnership with General Assembly, as it supports our commitment to developing human capital, which is essential to institutional growth and excellence. This collaboration aims to strengthen the link between training and employment in the tech sector, and we were keen to pursue this cooperation to equip our technical teams with advanced skills and expertise.' Mr. Almearaj further added: 'This collaboration allows us to leverage General Assembly's well-established training programs and technical expertise, while creating meaningful job opportunities and practical learning experiences within a modern, innovation-driven environment. We remain firmly committed to nurturing national talent and look forward to introducing further initiatives that support skills development in one of the most vital sectors shaping the future.' Ms. Ahlam Oun, Director of General Assembly, stated: 'We are proud to sign this MoU with a distinguished institution like BENEFIT. This partnership represents a tangible model for aligning training with employment by providing trainees with the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world professional environment. It also paves the way for joint efforts to enhance the technical capabilities of BENEFIT's workforce, ensuring they remain equipped with the latest knowledge and tools required to support the company's digital transformation and sustained growth.' Aisha Buhiji Administrator, PR & Corporate Communication ayshab@ The Benefit Company B.S.C (C) P.O Box 2546, Seef District, Kingdom of Bahrain
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Essex NHS trust expands award-winning programme to support 'rising stars'
A talent development programme aimed at supporting rising stars in the NHS from minority ethnic backgrounds has been expanded. The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) launched the Resilience, Intelligence, Strength, and Excellence (RISE) initiative four years ago. This year, the award-winning programme was broadened to include staff across the mid and south Essex Integrated Care System. Paul Taylor, director of organisational development and culture at EPUT, said: "Across the mid and south Essex system, we benefit from having a diverse workforce with an incredible breadth of talent, much of which can go untapped. Read more Shrimpers striker Spasov excited to face his former side in friendly Driver, 88, failed eyesight test after causing death by dangerous driving in Essex "EPUT established the RISE programme to play a vital role in bringing this to light, making space, and elevating that potential." It is aimed at increasing the number of senior leaders from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. The programme has so far seen 187 participants graduate, including 20 staff members this year alone. EPUT was named Best Employer for Diversity and Inclusion at the Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2024 for RISE.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SDI Presence, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, and Kennedy-King College celebrate the incredible progress of the Tech Launchpad initiative
CHICAGO, July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SDI Presence LLC (SDI), a leading IT consultancy and managed services provider, and City Colleges of Chicago Foundation (CCCF) announce the continued success and expansion of the Tech Launchpad (TLP) at Kennedy-King College (KKC). The initiative, launched with a $1 million investment from SDI Presence, is transforming tech talent development on Chicago's South Side and positioning KKC as a regional leader in inclusive IT education. "The success of this partnership prioritizes opportunity, inclusion, and innovation," said City Colleges of Chicago Foundation President Veronica Herrero. "By working together, we are creating transformative educational pathways that are equipping students with the skills needed for the tech industry and pivoting quickly for this fast paced and evolving sector. I'm grateful to have an amazing partner like SDI Presence in service to others." The Kennedy-King College Tech Launchpad was designed to expand access to high-quality academic and training experiences in emerging technology fields with remarkable results: Over 700 students served 137 scholarships awarded, totaling more than $325,000 80% completion rate in the Xchange Chicago tech training pathway Enhanced and emerging tech focus in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing Other funds enabled Tech Launchpad to expand to include Open Lab hours, host six AWS Tech Alliance Workshops with more than 70 student attendees, and launch an ongoing series of student-focused sessions, workshops, events, and tours "The Tech Launchpad exemplifies what's possible when industry and education come together with purpose," said SDI Cofounder and Executive Chairman David Gupta. "We're not just investing in training—we're investing in long-term economic opportunity and community resilience." The $1M contribution from SDI Presence continues to fund program expansion through 2026. "The Tech Launchpad at Kennedy-King College is proof that when education and industry unite with intention, transformation follows," said Dr. Katonja Webb-Walker, president of Kennedy-King College. "We're not just teaching tech, rather we are unlocking futures and igniting the next generation of innovators and problem solvers right here on Chicago's South Side." The impact aligns with SDI's broader commitment to building community wealth and advancing opportunities through technology. "In line with our values and culture, SDI is proud to fuel initiatives that prepare underrepresented talent for meaningful careers in tech," said SDI CEO Hardik Bhatt. About SDI Presence SDI Presence LLC is a leading IT services firm that leverages its strong team presence to advance clients toward a secure digital enterprise. With a 30-year corporate resume, SDI delivers multi and hybrid cloud infrastructure managed services, consulting and advisory solutions, work and asset management solutions, and application modernization and managed services. SDI serves major airports, utilities and other regulated industry firms, commercial real estate portfolios, and government agencies across the U.S. Connect with SDI on LinkedIn and X. About City Colleges of Chicago City Colleges of Chicago is the city's most accessible higher education engine of socioeconomic mobility, empowering all Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger Chicago. Learn more about City Colleges of Chicago by visiting or click here. Media Contacts:Christina BelmontVice President of MarketingSDI Presence LLCcbelmont@ Veronica ResaDirector of Media RelationsCity Colleges of Chicagovresa1@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SDI Presence LLC (SDI) Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How to create a talent pipeline
Childress is a city of about 7,000 people in Northwest Texas, near the state border with Oklahoma. It's a rural community with ample open space and abundant energy resources — the ideal environment for the data centers driving today's digital economy. The talent to fill them was always there — someone just needed to recognize, invest in, and help it grow. That's where IREN came in. It's a next-generation data center company that uses renewable energy to power AI and other emerging technologies. In 2022, the company broke ground on a 420-acre data center in Childress when it encountered an obstacle: The local workforce it needed for the new facility couldn't be found using a traditional talent strategy, which screens out applicants without a college degree or highly specialized prior experience. How did IREN build a thriving data center without having the data center technicians, electricians, network engineers, and other skilled professionals to staff it? The company pivoted. Rather than looking solely at people's past jobs or where they attended college, IREN prioritized skills and aptitudes. While IREN's traditional hiring strategy suggested the workforce it needed for its new data center was in short supply, the company expanded its talent pipeline by giving people the chance to learn new skills and harnessing their motivation to contribute. IREN accomplished this through four talent development programs, which offered people options such as apprenticeships in skilled trades and financial assistance to pursue relevant careers. The company filled all its open roles in Childress, developed a more loyal, high-performing team, saved money, and improved the city's economic opportunity and mobility. Today, IREN continues to build a world-class workforce by cultivating local talent through an emphasis on their potential, their unique skills, and their interests. David Shaw, IREN's chief operating officer, says this mindset can benefit any employer, regardless of location. 'Any company, in any industry, can close workforce gaps by looking beyond traditional hiring and investing in people and communities,' he said. 'It leads to stronger local economies and a more inclusive and sustainable workforce across the nation.' Data centers store, process, and distribute the information that powers much of today's world. Shaw calls these facilities 'the backbone of the digital economy' because they anchor technologies such as generative AI, cloud services, fintech, the bitcoin network, and global communications. The rising need for computing power to fuel these technologies means the demand for data centers is rapidly increasing. But, as IREN discovered in Childress, staffing them with the data center technicians, network engineers, facility managers, and other skilled professionals these facilities need can be challenging. Fortunately, IREN found success by pairing top-tier external talent with untapped potential in the community. This blended model strengthens IREN's teams and deepens its local roots — a framework other employers can follow. 'We hire based on capability, drive, and potential,' Shaw said. 'We seek cross-functional skill sets and consider the whole person, not just a resume.' The results were impressive. Today, IREN employs over 100 full-time members in Childress. While long-term staffing may shift as operations evolve, IREN's investment has already created significant employment opportunities and made an economic impact in the area. IREN is now seeing better operational performance, less turnover, and deeper connections to its local workforce. Plus, the company saves money by reducing its use of resource-intensive external training and recruitment initiatives. IREN's talent practices also provide meaningful work, growth opportunities, and a better quality of life for people closer to their homes. IREN's People, Culture, and Community team is building the company's data center workforce by tapping into under-leveraged talent in rural Texas and helping it thrive. This bottom-up model requires believing in everyone's potential and cultivating close ties to the region's business, education, and nonprofit communities. IREN's strategy includes: For an example of how these programs work in practice, consider IREN's apprenticeship program. It recently helped an employee from a small rural community near Childress become a journeyman electrician. The program enabled the employee to attend trade school at night while working full time at IREN and receiving hands-on experience and mentorship. It also gave him a clear path to advancement: He's now in a leadership role and growing his skills — all because IREN recognized his strong work ethic and desire to stay near home. 'This shared value model strengthens our relationships with the regions we serve and reinforces our commitment to long-term sustainability, economic resilience, and mutual success,' Shaw said. IREN isn't the only organization interested in transforming regional talent ecosystems. The Education Design Lab is joining several other organizations to make Texas a leader in digital workforce development as part of the Texas Flywheel Initiative. Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to drive economic growth and ensure that all Texans can get the skills required to participate in the data center industry. The lab is a national nonprofit that codesigns, prototypes, and tests education-to-workforce models through a human-centered process, connecting learners to economic mobility. 'What I appreciate about IREN is how they leverage local talent and try to collaborate with local stakeholders,' said Dr. Leah Ben-Ami, The lab's senior ecosystem designer. 'The company is providing them with a pathway into an emerging industry in Childress, where those pathways may not be as readily available.' Dr. Ben-Ami says the Texas Flywheel hopes to 'connect the dots' between the players in Texas' digital economy — including IREN — so that the state's training pathways help people acquire the skills employers need. The goal is a collaborative ecosystem to create awareness of — and access to — programs that empower people to contribute to the Lone Star State's emerging data center industry. For instance, Texas Flywheel has conducted several events to facilitate networking and thought leadership within Texas. One such gathering was the Texas Digital Economy Convening in Fort Worth last February, which featured over 60 stakeholders, including IREN. The event focused on building relationships and establishing a shared understanding of the upskilling and mobility opportunities and challenges facing rural prospective hires. The convening also sought to reduce industry silos and identify core education partners to help build credential pathways. Texas Flywheel has engaged with over 140 stakeholders through its convenings, including 60 employers, 40 training providers and educators, and 25 community and workforce groups. The lab's and IREN's talent development efforts come as Texas' number of data centers rapidly grows. Texas currently boasts America's second-largest concentration of data centers, with 363 data centers in 24 markets statewide. This number will only increase as rural Texas gains more energy infrastructure. The separate approaches to talent development from the lab and IREN are reaching the same destination: more economic mobility and opportunity for all. Their success shows that communities, employers, nonprofits, and talent can achieve big outcomes when they collaborate. Shaw says IREN's talent innovations strive to strengthen everyone the company touches. With IREN's Childress facility expected to have a business life lasting several decades, both the company and the community will reap positive returns for years. 'IREN's strategy is designed to create lasting, meaningful impact for everyone involved in the company, the communities we operate in, and the individuals who live there,' Shaw said. For any employer seeking to build a strong workforce pipeline, IREN's experience in Childress proves that the solution often lies within the community itself. By focusing on aptitudes and investing in skills, employers can unlock the talent that's been there all along. Join the Texas Flywheel Initiative. Education Design Lab is supported by the Charles Koch Foundation, which as part of the Stand Together community funds cutting-edge research and helps expand postsecondary educational options. Learn more about Stand Together's efforts to transform the future of work and explore ways you can partner with us.
