ADEK expands summer work placements, giving 578 Abu Dhabi students hands-on career experience

Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has expanded its Work Placement Program for Summer 2026, providing 578 high school students with the opportunity to gain hands-on workplace experience, explore career pathways, and make more informed decisions about their futures.

Building on the success of last year's pilot, this summer marked a significant expansion, with opportunities across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain offered in collaboration with 23 leading industry partners spanning various sectors such as hospitality, banking, healthcare, technology, and more.

This growth responds to strong student interest, with more than 2,900 applications received from students eager to experience the world of work beyond the classroom. Through placements across a diverse range of industries, students gained first-hand exposure to professional environments, explored careers aligned with their interests, and developed a deeper understanding of the skills and expectations of today's workplace. The programme also supports ADEK's commitment to developing future-ready talent equipped to contribute to the UAE's evolving workforce.

Ahead of their placements, students participated in a preparatory session designed to help them make the most of their experience. They also explored the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work through a workshop delivered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, alongside guidance on UAE values, professional conduct, and workplace expectations.

Through this initiative, ADEK provides structured, supervised work placements lasting between one and two weeks during school breaks. Each placement is co-designed with host organisations and aligned with clear learning outcomes, ensuring students take on meaningful responsibilities rather than simply observing the workplace.

Feedback from students, parents, school career counsellors, and industry partners demonstrates the program's positive impact in building confidence, strengthening workplace skills, and helping students make more informed education and career choices.

By connecting schools and employers through a consistent, quality-assured model, the Work Placement Program provides students with a practical bridge between education and employment. At the same time, it enables industry partners to play an active role in developing Abu Dhabi's emerging talent and strengthening a sustainable pipeline of future-ready professionals.