More GE Internships under New Accord
HOUSTON, August 02, 2009--Saudi Aramco professionals will have more opportunities to intern in North America, thanks to a recent 10-year agreement between Aramco Training Services Co. (ATSC) and General Electric (GE).
The agreement makes possible an increased number of internships at GE facilities, and it also streamlines the process for acceptance and may broaden the industries in which interns can train.
“We at GE are proud to support Aramco Training Services and its mission of coordinating outstanding training opportunities at Fortune 500 companies such as GE in North America for Saudi Aramco professionals,” said Anwar Aleitani, GE Global Account Executive for Saudi Aramco based in Saudi Arabia. “While hosting Saudi Aramco professionals at GE is not new, this formalized agreement represents our commitment to supporting the training objectives of Saudi Aramco.”
ATSC, a subsidiary of Aramco Services Co. (ASC), administers an exchange visitor program in the United States.
ATSC representatives work with Saudi Aramco proponent organizations to coordinate benefits and visas for professionals on training assignments in North America. It also works with Fortune 500 companies as well as municipalities and other organizations to ensure high-quality internships.
There are 109 Saudi Aramco professionals interning at companies in North America. They are engaged on assignments in manufacturing, oil and gas, and electricity; in offices conducting financial and accounting activities; in security industries; in medical facilities; and in an array of other disciplines.
“The ATSC internship program serves one of the key objectives of our organization, developing a world-class work force,” said Abdulwahab Al-Abbas, manager of ASC Industrial Relations.
Abdulsalam Al-Saif, an intern on assignment at the GE Aero Houston Service Center, would agree. “This opportunity is giving me greater knowledge that I can bring back to Saudi Aramco and that will benefit my colleagues and the organization,” he said
Al-Saif is a mechanical engineer from the Riyadh Refinery Department. His work at GE includes learning about the company’s culture of quality and hands-on training in the overhaul and repair of rotating equipment.
Al-Saif was recently awarded GE’s “Making a Difference” award for his close attention to detail while assisting in the service center’s balance operations. He recognized an error that could have caused rework. The award thanked Al-Saif for “being part of the team and driving quality.”
GE, one of the world’s largest conglomerates, has activities in a broad range of industries, including power generation, water, oil and gas, health care, finance and aviation. The company also offers professional training through its Power Systems and Energy Courses.