Dr. Faisal Alayyan, HCT President & CEO, emphasizes the inclusion of experiential learning through on-the-job apprenticeships, coupled with academic qualifications, as a key aspect of the institution’s strategy. The new scheme, as part of the “Shaping the Future” program, is expected to revolutionise the UAE’s job market, enhancing employment prospects for new Emirati graduates…reports Asian Lite News
HCT aims to achieve a graduate employment rate exceeding 90%, focusing on “professional apprenticeships” that establish crucial links between academic learning, hands-on experience, and employer associations. These initiatives have resulted in a notable increase in Emiratisation rates, particularly within the private sector, empowering students to seize opportunities in the job market.
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), the largest federal Higher Education Institute in the UAE with 15 campuses across the country, has unveiled an innovative initiative to enhance the employability of Emirati candidates. As part of its “Shaping the Future” strategy, HCT is introducing new pathways, diplomas, and vocational training programs, focusing on apprenticeship-based learning to address the evolving challenges in the labour market.
This seismic shift in the UAE educational system involves integrating practical, work-based learning opportunities with theoretical study, offering students valuable hands-on experience in their respective fields. Emirati students participating in these programs will acquire work experience alongside their traditional classroom education, better preparing them for the workforce and contributing to the growth of the UAE’s economy. This approach highlights the UAE’s dedication to progressive education aligned closely with industry requirements.
The newly launched strategy aims to provide inclusive higher education opportunities for all high school graduates, emphasizing inclusivity and employability while directly meeting the demands of the labour market.
Dr Faisal Alayyan, HCT President & CEO, emphasizes the inclusion of experiential learning through on-the-job apprenticeships, coupled with academic qualifications, as a key aspect of the institution’s strategy. This approach is expected to revolutionise the UAE’s job market, enhancing employment prospects for new Emirati graduates.
Aligned with the UAE’s National Future Foresight, the strategy is developed through partnerships between academia and industry, ensuring HCT graduates possess industry-relevant skills in demand. The apprenticeship program, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE) and ADVETI, will be integrated into all HCT programs. Students will combine on-campus classroom and lab learning with experiential industry exposure.
Dr Alayyan highlights the importance of strategic collaborations to bridge the gap between students’ educational experiences and the real-world work environment. This is exemplified by 11 agreements signed to generate over 4,000 new employment opportunities and an additional 4,000 training prospects for students shortly.
The inaugural four-month apprenticeship period began in September 2023, with students incorporating hands-on training into their education requirements.
Dr Alayyan says that the successful completion of 4,679 apprenticeships between the fall and spring semesters, showcased the effectiveness of this system in improving the employability rate of Emirati youth.
HCT aims to achieve a graduate employment rate exceeding 90%, focusing on “professional apprenticeships” that establish crucial links between academic learning, hands-on experience, and employer associations. These initiatives have resulted in a notable increase in Emiratisation rates, particularly within the private sector, empowering students to seize opportunities in the job market.