Abu Dhabi: A new pilot project, which aims to train a sample of 2,500 labourers and test their skills in the construction sector prior to their arrival in the UAE, has been launched, the Ministry of Labour revealed at a press conference in the capital.
“The project comes as a drive by the Ministry of Labour towards obtaining future labour market goals through cooperation and partnership with concerned government agencies and facilities from the private sector, as well as universities and research centres, to move towards the development of the national economy, especially the construction sector in the UAE,” Saqr Gobash, Minister of Labour, said.
Gobash pointed out that about 2,500 workers are trained to work for national enterprises in the construction sector. They are enrolled in a professional training programme in their home countries to test their qualifications to fill certain jobs before arriving in the UAE.
“Most of the workers, who will be recruited randomly, are from India, Pakistan, and Philippines,” Gobash added.
The two-year project will help labourers, develop and document their skills which can increase their productivity and help them find decent work opportunities.
The project will take about two years. Researchers from Zayed University will follow the progress of the project and measure the impact of it on employees with the support of several international organisations led by the World Bank, International Labour Organisation and the International Migration Organisation.
The one-day conference also witnessed the signing of partnership agreements with contributing companies, including, Arabtec, Al Habtoor, ATI Asco and Ghantoot.
“This project also aims to document labourers’ skills and experience gained during their employment period in the UAE to help them get jobs when they return to their home countries,” Dr Omar Al Nuaimi, assistant undersecretary for police and strategy at the Ministry of Labour, said.
The two-year project, which will be implemented by the UAE and Kuwait, is considered the first of its kind in the region in terms of the number of participating countries as well as local and international organisations.
Representatives of the construction companies involved have stressed the importance of the project, as it provides companies with skilled labourers and cuts training costs.
The Ministry of Labour had also announced earlier that certificates, which list employee’s qualifications, skills and job experience, will be issued. Such certificates will help employers recruit appropriate employees and estimate their wages to match their job description and achieve career goals.
The project is implemented in collaboration with the National Qualifications Authority, the Federal Demographic Council, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, and Zayed University.
