Serco : wins Skills Development Programme of the Year at the Big Project Awards

Serco was awarded Skills Development Programme of the Year award at the 2020 Big Project Awards. The Big Project Awards celebrate the excellence of leading companies in the region and this award recognised Serco's investment in local talent and the successful launch of the company's inaugural graduate programme. Serco continued to launch the programme despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market, showcasing its core values and ongoing commitment to nationalisation.

Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East, said of the award:

'I am extremely proud of Serco's continual efforts to identify and develop local talent within the countries that we work. The graduate programme represents just one pillar of this approach and I am pleased that it has been recognised by Big Project Awards 2020 as their Skills Development Programme of the Year.'

The Graduate Programme was aimed at both national and expatriate candidates based in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who recently graduated from university. With a 'people first' culture in mind, Serco searched for candidates with a passion for supporting regional governments and a commitment to making a difference to the lives of citizens in the region. Out of 4,000 applications received in just a span of two weeks, four candidates were chosen and started their journey at Serco Middle East in September of 2020.

Hana Kharmeh, HR Director at Serco Middle East said:

'The Graduate Programme is a project that is close to my heart as I believe strongly in using our scale to provide opportunities that can help springboard the careers of the next generation. Nationalisation is a core part of our strategy and we have numerous programmes, like the graduate programme, to equip nationals with the right skills to become future leaders. I am honoured to be a part of the team that was recognised and won the Skills Development Programme of the Year award.'