Aimed at providing future professionals with the training they need for an increasingly globalised energy sector This two-and-a-half year Master’s degree combines the standard MBA syllabus with an energy sector specific curriculum

IBERDROLA, Comillas Pontifical University in Spain and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow have launched an MBA specialising in the global energy industry, with a view to providing the sector’s future professionals with the training they need.

The initiative was presented in Madrid, with the participation of the Dean of Comillas Pontifical University, Julio Luis Martínez; the Director of the ICAI Engineering School, Mariano Ventosa; the Director of the ICADE Business School, Robert Andrew Robinson; the Vice Dean of Strathclyde University Business School, Jillian MacBryde; and the Head of Executive Education at the University of Strathclyde, Alexander Wilson.

IBERDROLA was represented by the company’s Director of Corporate Resources, Fernando Becker; the group’s Director of Human Resources, Ramón Castresana; and the Director of Human Resources at ScottishPower, Sheila Duncan.

During his speech, Fernando Becker highlighted the importance of providing specialized education demanded by the energy industry and said: “There is no greater investment than education and skills development”.

“It is essential to provide employees with the training they need to meet the challenges, and opportunities, that our industry faces at a global scale”.
This Master’s degree (which takes two and a half years to complete) combines usual MBA subjects with an energy-sector specific curriculum. The programme is accredited by both academic institutions. A total of 27 students with managerial potential from Spain, the UK, the US, Mexico and Brazil will enrol for the course.
The MBA will be taught at the universities of Comillas (Spain) and Strathclyde (Scotland), with an innovative and practical curriculum and the participation of managers from IBERDROLA Group.

The aim of this MBA is to develop managerial and leadership skills relevant to the energy industry’s global context and the specific goals of the IBERDROLA Group, a company with an important international profile ranking among the world’s main utilities.

Commitment to training
IBERDROLA’s participation in the Global Energy MBA reflects the company’s commitment to training. In 2012, the Group provided over one million hours of training to its staff, with 82% of the company’s 31,000 employees worldwide taking part.

By investing in training, IBERDROLA aims at building the skills of its professionals to enhance their performance and efficiency, whilst creating opportunities for personal and career development. Commitment to high-quality, continuous training is a key element in the group’s Human Resources policy and the company will continue to promote this activity in coming years.

The Pontifical University of Comillas is participating in the programme through two of its most prestigious colleges, ICAI Institute of Engineering and Technology and ICADE Business School.

ICAI was founded in 1908 by the Jesuits as a technical school for industry and electro-mechanical engineers. Today it is an Institute of Technology for industrial and telecommunications engineering graduates. ICADE School of Business Administration offers several graduate and post-graduate degree programmes together with a number of European and American business schools. With more than 50 years’ experience, it offers innovative business management and financial studies.
About the University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde is Glasgow’s second oldest university, founded in 1796, and Scotland’s third largest university by number of students. Since its early days, it is characterised by its approach to innovative, flexible learning concentrated on practical subjects, striving to fulfill the vision of a “place of useful learning”. The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university with students and staff from over 100 countries. The institution was named UK University of the Year 2012/2013 by the Times Higher Education Awards.

Professor Susan Hart, Executive Dean of Strathclyde Business School, said: “The University of Strathclyde is playing a pivotal role in collaborating with businesses to tackle technical obstacles and leadership challenges associated with delivering developments in the global energy industry.
“This innovative programme brings together expertise from across engineering and business disciplines, across national boundaries and helps to bridge the gap between academia and business.

“The bespoke programme will hone the knowledge and skills of energy professionals to deliver higher levels of competitiveness to Iberdrola in a sector vital to the global economy and sustainability.”