22 March 2024
In response to evolving global education trends, there is a discernible movement towards a more integrated approach that combines academic learning with real-world experience. This shift reflects a universal drive towards innovation, with educational systems worldwide, including those in the UAE, adapting to meet the changing demands of the job market.
As the UAE continues to progress, it embraces innovative strategies to equip its youth with the skills necessary for tomorrow’s challenges. This commitment ensures that the nation remains at the forefront of educational excellence and economic advancement, ready to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global marketplace.
At the forefront of this transformation is the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), the UAE’s largest Federal Higher Education Institute. Under its applied educational model transformation, aptly named “Shaping the Future,” HCT is adopting apprenticeship-based programs to enhance its educational offerings.
This initiative signifies a significant shift towards integrating practical, work-based learning opportunities with theoretical study. By providing students with valuable hands-on experience in their fields of study, HCT aims to better prepare Emirati students for the demands of the workforce and contribute to the growth of the UAE’s economy.
The recently launched strategy focuses on providing higher education opportunities for all high school leavers, with a dedicated emphasis on inclusivity and employability. Dr. Faisal Alayyan, HCT President & CEO, highlights the hallmark of HCT’s strategy as the inclusion of experiential learning with on-the-job apprenticeships, coupled with academic qualifications.
“We believe this strategic approach will overhaul UAE’s job market’s approach to the employment of new graduates, while boosting UAE National work development opportunities for Emiratis,” Dr. Alayyan said.
Aligned with the UAE’s National Future Foresight, the strategy is forged from partnerships between academia and industry, ensuring that HCT graduates possess in-demand, industry-relevant skills. The apprenticeship program is conducted in conjunction with the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) and will be embedded in all HCT programs.
Dr. Alayyan emphasises the importance of collaboration with strategic partners to bridge the gap between students’ educational experiences and the real-world work environment. This collaboration has resulted in the signing of 11 agreements aimed at yielding over 4000 new employment opportunities and an additional 4000 training prospects for students.
The success of this transformation is evidenced by the impressive number of apprenticeships completed by HCT students within the first two semesters of the program’s launch. Dr. Luc Verburgh, Chief Academic Officer at HCT, underscores the transformative power of integrating applied learning within the curriculum.
“Our focus is on bridging academic rigour with real-world applications, ensuring our students are not only well-versed theoretically but are also agile and adaptive in practical settings,” Dr. Verburgh noted.
As a result of these initiatives, HCT aims to achieve a graduate employment rate of over 90%. By creating vital links between academia and employers, HCT is preparing students for future careers and enhancing their practical training and on-the-job knowledge.
The concerted efforts of HCT have led to a significant increase in Emiratisation rates, particularly within the private sector while empowering students to seize opportunities in the job market. As HCT spearheads this pioneering shift in the educational paradigm, it reaffirms its commitment to empowering the UAE’s youth with the skills and experiences vital for the future.
By seamlessly blending academic excellence with practical, industry-driven apprenticeships, HCT is not only preparing Emiratis for jobs but is actively shaping the architects of tomorrow’s economy.
