Beirut, February 1, 2022: The University of Balamand (UOB) and AviaPro Consulting have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the Engineering & Sciences programs offered at the University. AviaPro Consulting have recently branched out into the Lebanese market and would like to engage with students who in turn will have access to a wide range of opportunities such as training, professional development, internships, and employment.
The MOU signing ceremony took place at Engineering Complex at UOB and was signed by Prof Rami Abboud, Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Mr. Raphael Haddad, the President of AviaPro Consulting, accompanied by Mr. Jeff El Hajj, AviaPro Consulting Logistics Manager and Performance Specialist.
Also in attendance were several faculty members that included: Dr. Elie Karam, Dean of the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology; Dr. Hanna Nakat, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences; Dr. Haissam Haidar, Chairperson of the Mechanical Engineering Department; Dr. Nay Mezannar, Chairperson of the Aircraft Maintenance Department; Dr. Jane Estephane, Chairperson of the Chemical Engineering Department; Ms. Angela Bitar, Lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Liaison for Aviation; and Mr. Michael Salem, Assistant to the VP and Director of Student Affairs.
With the objective to aid in the professional development of young engineers and technicians, AviaPro Consulting will be offering unique opportunities to UOB students. Three engagement scenarios have been introduced, the first being part time jobs on different projects and it has already started with two aeronautical students and one computer science student. The second scenario is providing live-needed projects for students to base their graduation projects on and the third is a full-time job in a COOP program for students willing to delay their graduation for a duration of 4 months up to one year.
Prof. Rami Abboud commented on the occasion: “We are pleased to ratify this collaboration with AviaPro Consulting, a prestigious company in its field. As a university we are strategically committed to affording our students opportunities for professional development through immersive experiences in work-based learning through strong ties with prestigious industry partners.”
Further adding, Mr. Raphael Haddad stated: “We are very pleased to be partnering with UOB. This mutually beneficial relationship allows our company to advance its business objectives while bringing to bear the talent available at the University of Balamand, particularly in the areas of aeronautical and mechanical engineering, sciences, and information technology. We look forward to a long and fruitful cooperation between our two organizations.”
This MOU further reinforces the commitment of the University of Balamand to provide students with work-based learning opportunities that will allow students to acquire skills that will help them succeed in their professional careers.