Lloyds TSB Middle East, part of one of the world's largest banking groups, has been awarded a prestigious award recognizing the success of its Emiratisation programs. The award was received by Abdul Rahman Saqr, Lloyds TSB's UAE business advisor and head of Emiratisation, on behalf of the company. The award acknowledges the bank's commitment to recruiting, developing and retaining UAE nationals. “One of Lloyds TSB Middle East's key strategic objectives is “to be the employer of choice for Emiratis. We want to help build a generation of talented and ambitious UAE Nationals who can help build the future of the UAE. With our level of Emiratisation having grown significantly over the last year to 30 percent we have demonstrated that we are fully committed to this vital initiative,” he said. Bert De Ruiter, managing director of Lloyds TSB Middle East, added that “to have won this Emiratisation award is a fantastic achievement of which we are very proud. We have identified that the future success of the bank in the UAE is dependent on our commitment to the local community and we see Emiratisation as a key component of this.” “The value of Emiratisation to us is vast. From the satisfaction of working with some of the brightest and most ambitious young executives to the genuine symbiotic relationship we enjoy with this talent, Emiratisation benefits our entire business,” he added. Lloyds TSB Middle East launched its Undergraduate Development Program (UDP) for UAE nationals in December 2007 with the aim of developing the next generation of Emirati banking professionals, it complements the existing and very successful management trainee program for UAE National graduates. The Undergraduate Development Program is specially designed for UAE national students attending a full-time course in any university or college around Dubai. The one-year development program runs one day a week on Saturdays in Jumeirah Beach Hotel and offers a salaried position with an annual contract with Lloyds TSB. The scheme provides insight into all parts of the banking industry for the students whilst they continue to study full time. The UDP complements other programs and initiatives run at Lloyds TSB aimed at developing UAE national talent. In addition a management training scheme is run for full time talented graduate entrants to the bank and Lloyds TSB's successful “Head Start” program is designed specifically to aid school leavers seeking a career in banking. Lloyds TSB also has permanent positions for talented UAE Nationals across all functions in the bank. TSB Middle East employs over 300 people providing a full range of financial services including: personal banking, business banking, corporate banking, offshore banking, private banking, treasury services and trade finance services. __
