New programmes aim to bolster Emirati workforce

Abu Dhabi: The Emirati workforce will increase 15 per cent by about 2012 and will double in number by 2020, according to Lindsey Mcpherson, an expert at Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

Mcpherson was speaking at the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council (ADTC) forum for Private Sector Emiratisation on Tuesday.

ADTC is developing programmes to ensure increased employment opportunities for Emiratis. The framework is driven mainly by socio-economic priorities that aim to deliver a highly qualified workforce to meet the future needs of the country.

These schemes are focused on the development of students' capabilities at three primary sectors: secondary levels, college, as well as technical or vocational education.

In order to meet the national demand for employment of Emiratis, the ADTC is leading a strategy to improve the learning environment, career development, career guidance and counselling for Emiratis.

ADTC's strategy will focus on five aspects — visionary planning, effective regulations, sufficient funding, accreditation and performance management.

Vocational and technical education is also deemed as vital in sectors such as aerospace and the oil and gas industry, where less than half of the 15,000 available student seats are occupied.

Opportunities

This represents significant employment opportunity for a young workforce seeking long-term rewarding careers in these fields. "Only six per cent of Grade 12 students select a vocational curriculum compared to 25 per cent in other countries," said Dr Abdullah Al Darmaki, General Manager of ADTC.

With regard to accreditation, "only 46 of the existing 500 institutions provide accredited vocational/technical education", added Al Darmaki.

Involvement

Involvement of the private sector is paramount to the success of this programme, officials said at the forum.

A forum will be created to formulate recommendations and continuous management of this strategy. This forum will need involvement of various government agencies and private industries. Industry players are being encouraged to cooperate in developing a strategic path to identify their future needs and assist in developing a programme that delivers a highly qualified and efficient employment force of Emiratis, said Bob Turner, Manager of Vocational Education Development in the Technical and Professional Education Division of ADEC.