Emcor Facilities Services Group Ltd (EFSG) has announced a partnership agreement with the School of Built Environment (SBE), Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, in which the former will support its facilities management programmes through sponsorships, promotions and speaking engagements.

Under the agreement, EFSG will provide a part-time lecturer; assist in the promotion of SBE's MSc in Facilities Management programme throughout the Middle East; participate in joint-research ventures relevant to the industry; and sponsor students with the possibility of future employment at EFSG upon completion of the course. 

Speaking at the signing of the agreement, which took place at the Facilities Management Expo in the Dubai World Trade Centre, EFSG CEO, Christian Roberts, said that Emcor were entering the partnership because the company believes it has a responsibility to support the local community and wants to be actively involved in educating the next generation of FM professionals. 

“These students are the future of the industry and it is important to provide them with the best opportunities, as it is them who will be responsible for the ongoing development and progress of the industry,” he said. 

“The partnership of EFSG's experience and commitment along with the established strength of the Heriot-Watt University facilities management programme delivers one of the highest standards of education in Facilities Management throughout the region,” he added. 

This partnership is part of EFSG's ongoing commitment to education. Last month the company announced it was sponsoring two third year students to develop and enhance local management expertise in the FM field, following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with the International College of Engineering & Management in Oman.