Al-Futtaim to bring consumer electronics training to region's retailers and distributors

Al-Futtaim Electronics is to work together with the US-based Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), and training partner Bedrock Learning to bring advanced training and certification to the Middle East's consumer electronics industry.

In an announcement made at the CES/hometech exhibition in Dubai, Al-Futtaim said it is in advanced discussions with the CEA to provide local training courses for a wide range of CES roles, including distribution, installation, integration and retailers to help the skills and knowledge of industry professionals to match increasingly demanding consumers.

Vishesh Bhatia, group director - Electronics, Engineering & Technologies, Al-Futtaim Group commented: "This training initiative, a first for the region, will help raise the level of professionalism and service standards of the consumer electronics industry while also ensuring benchmark certification recognised across the CE spectrum.

"More than 16.35 million square metres of gross leasable area (GLA) [of retail space] is expected to be completed by 2010 which is a 565% increase since 2000. This massive increase, coupled with the rapid increase in population across the region, will require retailers and distributors to upgrade their skill sets to meet the changing needs of customers," he added.

Elizabeth Hyman, vice president, International, CEA said: "This is indeed a milestone moment for CEA. It is exciting to see the consumer electronics industry grow by providing industry benchmarked training and preparation for certification in the region. We believe the ultimate winners will be the customers who will benefit from the improved service standards of the consumer electronics industry. We are indeed most pleased to be associated with Al-Futtaim Electronics in this pioneering move in the region."