Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) is proud to announce that this year’s Graduate Program has successfully crossed the halfway mark, with our Civil Engineering Graduates making significant progress through their structured training journey.
The Graduate Program offers civil engineering graduates a comprehensive introduction to ECC Contracting, combining departmental rotations, company immersions, technical training, mentorship, and on-site learning. Over the past few months, they have gained hands-on exposure to disciplines such as Health and Safety, QA/QC, and site operations, primarily at the Bridge District project site at Dubai Creek Harbour, providing them with a 360° perspective on delivering major construction projects.
Skill Development and Industry Insight
The graduates have enhanced their capabilities across three core areas:
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- Technical Learning: Lean certification, project documentation, site supervision, and materials testing.
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- Industry Insight: quality standards, sustainability practices, and HSE compliance.
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- Professional Growth: teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and adapting to ECC Contracting’s culture.
Graduate Reflections
Having passed the midpoint reviews, the Graduates recognize and acknowledge this incredible opportunity to carve out their fledgling careers. Some of their own reflections underline their enthusiasm and learning, together with deep gratitude for the experience:
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As a Graduate Trainee in ECC’s Graduate Program, I am constantly learning something new every single day. What I’m doing is practically viewing how actual engineering is, and it is shaping both my ability and mentality right from the beginning.
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— Ahmad Mazydeh
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Being part of the ECC Graduate Program has been an invaluable experience so far. Rotating through different departments has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the construction industry, from Quality and Safety to Technical and Fitout works. Each team I joined was welcoming and supportive, which motivated me to learn and contribute. This journey has not only enhanced my technical skills but also strengthened my passion for building a career in construction with ECC.
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— Ihssan Abuhadid
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My experience in ECC Group has always assured me that success is not only by individual achievements, but also with the positive energy and spirit of cooperation that characterises the place.
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— Younis Elayan
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Department Feedback
Department heads, General Managers, and line managers have provided highly encouraging feedback regarding the Graduates’ progress. Using structured assessments and questionnaires, the program tracks performance, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights areas for further development.
The Graduates have demonstrated eagerness, adaptability, and an impressive willingness to take on challenges. Their fresh energy, coupled with a proactive approach to learning, has brought tangible benefits to teams across multiple departments.
As they move into the final stage of their training, they will take on advanced project responsibilities, leadership shadowing, and applied problem-solving tasks to prepare for professional roles as Civil Engineers with ECC Contracting. With continued mentorship and support, they are on track to finish the program strongly and carry forward their learning into future contributions — paving the way for broader development initiatives across the ECC Group.
Looking Ahead
ECC Contracting’s Graduate Program initiative has provided invaluable insights not only for the Graduates themselves but also for the CSR and HR teams who designed and implemented the program under senior management’s brief and guidance.
Moving into the final stage of their six-month journey, the Graduates will take on:
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- Advanced project responsibilities to test their skills in practical scenarios.
- Leadership shadowing opportunities to observe and learn from senior managers.
- Applied problem-solving tasks to hone their decision-making and analytical abilities.
These experiences will ensure that upon completion, they are fully prepared for professional roles as Civil Engineers within ECC Contracting or across the broader ECC Group.
Acknowledging Support
The success of the Graduate Program would not have been possible without the guidance, mentorship, and dedication of ECC Group’s Department Heads, General Managers, and team members who provided hands-on support and shared their expertise. Their willingness to involve Graduates in real projects has created a rich learning environment that has been instrumental in shaping their professional growth.
Senior leadership, together with CSR and HR teams, extends sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of the program. Their support has played a key role in nurturing the next generation of civil engineers and laying the foundation for future training programs.
About the Cadet Program
Initiated by Mr Samer Abu Daqqa and championed by Mr Hatem Farah and Mr Khodr Aldar, the Graduate Program was developed and project-managed by Ms. Cathy Beasley, CSR Manager, in close coordination with a core HR team. The six-month structured initiative includes:
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- Four months of core training, including departmental rotations, mentorship, and technical skill development.
- Two months of practical on-site work, where Graduates apply their learning under supervision to gain real-world experience.
The program has been specifically designed to develop and engage emerging civil engineering talent – especially UAE national civil engineering graduates – who are providing a structured path for growth while supporting ECC Contracting’s broader talent development strategy.
The Engineering Contracting Company Graduate Program represents a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to cultivating skilled professionals and reinforcing its position as a leader in civil engineering training and development in the UAE. By equipping fresh graduates with both technical expertise and professional insights, ECC Contracting is also building a sustainable talent pipeline to support the growth and success of its projects for years to come.
