The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) places a strong emphasis on offering the Kuwaiti young the best-in-class and most cutting-edge training programs in accordance with the highest international standards, demonstrating its steadfast commitment to investing in human capital. The bank has started the first class of its new NBK Tech Academy in this context.
NBK Tech Academy is a unique institution. It is the first academy of its type, specializing on data and digital technology. It is a professional training program designed to qualify and prepare young Kuwaiti talents for careers in banking. After 28 successful waves and more than 190 active graduates from NBK Academy, which was founded in 2008, NBK Tech Academy was established in response to the bank’s expanding demand for talent in its tech divisions.
The opening ceremony of the new trainees was attended by Mr. Isam Al-Sager, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO of National Bank of Kuwait, Ms. Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO of NBK and Mr. Salah Al-Fulaij, CEO of NBK-Kuwait. The attendees also included Mr. Faisal A. Al-Hamad, CEO – Global Wealth Management, Mr. Mohamed Al-Othman, CEO – Consumer and Digital Banking Group, Mr. Mohammad Al-Kharafi, COO – Head of Group Operations and Information Technology, and Mr. Emad Al-Ablani, GM – Group Human Resources.
In-depth training in technical skills for career advancement is provided to 10 participants over the course of the 6-month program, which runs until March 2024. These technical skills include, but are not limited to: FinTech, Data Analytics, Ethics in Technology, Cyber Security, Fundamentals of Digital Payments, Digital Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Scripting and Programming, Fundamentals of Codifications, and Finance for Non-Finance Professionals.
In addition to technical skills, the program also focuses on developing soft skills including, but not limited to: Teamwork and Team Building, Business Planning and Business Analysis, Writing Skills, Delivering Results, Meeting Customer Expectation and Customer Centricity, Presentation Skills, Productivity in the Workplace, Business Ethics, Principles and Values, Learning and Researching, Project and Change Management, and Customer Experience.
Talents are fresh Kuwaiti university graduates, with up to 4 years of experience, a high GPA, holding a degree in in MIS, Information Security, Data Science, Computer Science, and Engineering.
On this occasion, Najla Al-Sager, Head of Talent Management, Group Human Resources at National Bank of Kuwait, said: “We are proud to launch NBK Tech Academy, which aligns with the growing demands for digital talents and skills. Through the Academy, we aim to qualify the next generation of professionals to lead the technological advancement and innovation in NBK.”
“The new NBK Tech Academy reflects NBK’s vision to keep up with the growing needs and demands of the digital era, and its keen endeavors to nurture and develop highly-skilled talents in areas like MIS, Information Security, Data Science, and Computer Science,” she noted.
“NBK has unwavering dedication to driving innovation, which is reflected in launching this academy as a milestone on this way of nurturing Kuwaiti talent and preparing a new generation of digital professionals,” she added.
On her part, Gadeer Al-Kooheji, Head of Talent Acquisition, Group Human Resources at National Bank of Kuwait said: “Launching NBK Tech Academy for selected high-caliber young candidates in technical and digital fields aligns with the strategy of Group Human Resources’ Talent Acquisition Department, which aims to attract top-notch talent to support the bank’s accelerating digital growth.”
“The Academy will provide fresh graduates, as well as experienced candidates, in technical domains with high-level training and development opportunities, and actively contribute in shaping the future of banking and digital services, propelling Kuwait to new horizons in banking innovation,” she mentioned.
To fulfill its CSR commitments to the youth, NBK offers a range of training programs to young national talent, including students and recent graduates, in order to equip them with professional knowledge, expertise, and hands-on training in advance of entering the banking industry.
When it comes to attracting, developing, and qualifying local talent for a career in banking, NBK continues to be a leader in the private sector. With the greatest Kuwaitization and employee retention rates in the private sector, the bank stands out as the employer of choice for local professionals.
