YORK, the leading provider of HVAC equipment in the Kingdom, signed a memorandum of understanding with Dar Al-Hikmah University in Jeddah, under the supervision of the university president, Dr. Abeer Al-Deghaither, and the CEO of YORK, Dr. Mohanad Alshaikh. The MoU aims to empowering female presence in the industrial sector in line with the vision 2030, by supporting the university’s female students in their professional and academic careers, through collaborations in experience and knowledge exchange, training opportunities at YORK Manufacturing Complex, with job opportunities for the students upon graduation. 

During the signing ceremony held at Dar Al-Hikmah University’s headquarters, the University was represented by Dr. Alaa Al-Ban, Head of the Interior Design Department, founding member of the Urban Association under the Ministry of Culture, and member of the Higher Committee in the Municipality of Jeddah. While YORK was represented by Mr. Mohammed Abu Ghazalah, Chief Admin Officer, in the presence of several officials from both sides. 

Under this MoU, YORK and Dar Al-Hikmah University will cooperate in developing research projects, organizing workshops and seminars, holding Career Fairs, joint initiatives and training programs, in fields that the Saudi females have entered recently.

In addition, YORK will start with arranging visits to its Manufacturing Complex to introduce the university students to the HVAC industry and manufacturing process, then provide HVAC specialized training opportunities during the students´ academic years, to provide them with the necessary know-how and practical experience, ending with job opportunities for those who showed distinctive talents and skills.

YORK Manufacturing Complex, located in King Abdullah Economic City, is the largest YORK complex in the Middle East and North Africa, and includes four internationally-accredited HVAC testing labs under the Research and Development Center inside the premises. YORK will also provide special offers on its products to Dar Al-Hikmah’s faculty members, staff, students and their families. On the other hand, Dar Al-Hikmah University will grant YORK’s female employees special tuition fees in the field of business administration and master's degrees.

On this occasion, Dr. Alaa Al-Ban stated that the MoU represents the cooperation framework between the university and YORK in terms of training and scientific programs, in line with the university’s keenness to strengthen its relations with large and mega industrial institutions in the Kingdom, to train university students, enhance their level of knowledge and skill, in addition to exchanging experiences in designing academic programs, research fields, and joint studies.

Mohammed Abu Ghazalah, Chief Admin Officer of YORK added: "The MoU is part of our strategic collaboration with universities and colleges across the Kingdom. YORK implements specialized training programs for local university students with a focus on those studying relevant industrial majors to attract talented students to play a leading role in localizing the HVAC industry in the Kingdom."

Abu Ghazalah continued: "Dar Al-Hikmah is a leading university that enjoys a prestigious ranking for its advanced academic facilities and programs that are developed in collaboration with top international universities. We are keen to offer YORK's expertise and capabilities in serving students and increase the efficiency of their learning programs, develop their capabilities and skills, and prepare them for the real working environment."

"This agreement also falls in line with YORK's strategic effort to train and qualify female talents, providing them with proper job opportunities within the private sector, and enhancing their presence in the labor market, both in leadership and middle management. This enables them to play a higher role in supporting the community and increase their contributions to the local economy," Abu Ghazalah concluded.