AUS and Mapei partner to boost engineering industry training

November 03, 2025 / 2:15 PM

Sharjah24: To enhance industry-oriented engineering education, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a collaboration agreement with Mapei, a global leader in construction chemical products renowned for innovation and sustainability. The partnership is part of the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Programme and aims to connect academic learning with market demands through structured internships, applied research, and technical knowledge exchange — strengthening pathways from the classroom to the workplace.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement, Mapei will annually host AUS engineering students for structured internship placements, integrating them into real-world teams and laboratory environments. Faculty from AUS and Mapei experts will co-supervise capstone and research projects, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. The agreement also includes field visits to laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and project sites, offering students direct exposure to current methods, quality systems, and safety standards. Both institutions will undertake joint research and development projects targeting national and regional priorities in the construction and engineering sectors, encouraging sustainability and innovation aligned with the UAE’s economic vision.

Bridging classroom learning and professional application

Dr Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, highlighted the practical benefits of the initiative, stating: “This collaboration is designed for outcomes you can measure — in skill, in confidence, and in employability. By connecting our students to Mapei’s teams, facilities, and project environments, we are creating an applied learning loop that starts with a question on campus and ends with a solution on site.”

From Mapei’s side, Giuseppe Castelli, Corporate HR and Organisation Director, emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent, stating: “We believe that investing in young people means investing in the future of the region and the local community. The collaboration with AUS represents an important step in fostering the professional and personal growth of new talents, creating a bridge between university and business.”

Expanding the Al Nukhba network of excellence

The partnership bolsters the mission of the AUS Engineering Al Nukhba Programme, which establishes targeted collaborations with leading industry players to ensure students gain practical skills and professional exposure relevant to the UAE’s changing job market.

With 18 current industry partners and more joining each year, the Al Nukhba Programme exemplifies the integration of higher education with industrial expertise. Through such initiatives, AUS continues to equip graduates with the technical skills, innovative mindset, and practical experience required by the global economy.