The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the pilot launch of the ‘Professional and Practical Training Programme’ for Emirati students from the ninth grade to the final year of higher education, designed to enhance their integration into the private sector.

The pilot phase will run for one year, bringing together 3,500 students at various stages of their education, under the supervision of the Education and Human Resources Council, the MoHRE, and the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with academic institutions and with support from the ‘Nafis’ programme.

The Ministry explained that following the pilot phase and over a period of five years, the programme will gradually expand to include all students from grade nine to the final year of higher education. It forms part of the government’s efforts to encourage UAE citizens to enter the workforce, particularly in the private sector, and reshape their perceptions of this sector from an early age. It also aims to build their expertise so they can find suitable career opportunities that align with their academic paths.

Her Excellency Aisha Belharfia, Acting Under-Secretary for Emiratisation Affairs and Assistant Under-Secretary for Labour Affairs at MoHRE, said: “The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is committed to collaborating with partner entities to enhance the competence of Emirati citizens and provide them with the professional opportunities they aspire to. The programme aims to expand career prospects for targeted students, familiarising them with the fundamentals of work, and underlining the important role the private sector plays and the opportunities it has to offer.”

“Targeting young people at an early age has numerous benefits,” H.E. explained. “At that point, they are still at an age where they are open to exploring their capabilities and potential, and they are still building their aspirations. We guide them towards the right career path that enhances their role in the country’s development and progress, in line with the National Employment Strategy 2031 and the government’s ambitious plans to expand the share of Emirati citizens working in the private sector.”

“The programme provides an opportunity for students in the target group to develop the skills and experience they need to qualify for the best professional opportunities in the private sector,” H.E. Belharfia added. “It works to create balance and harmony between the education system and the labour market, and ultimately supply the private sector with qualified young UAE professionals with tremendous potential for success in various fields.”

The ‘Professional and Practical Training Programme’ aims to strengthen ties between Emirati students and private sector companies to support processes for transferring skills, enhance professional relationships, facilitate employment opportunities, and align education with private sector needs and requirements. This, in turn, is key for ensuring a top-quality education system and supporting a knowledge-based and diversified economy.

The programme includes two tracks: a ‘General Track’ that covers general high schools and advanced education, and a ‘Professional Track’ including all stages of secondary and post-secondary education that focus on vocational, applied, and technical curricula, as determined by the Ministry of Education.

Furthermore, the programme offers weekly financial incentives to participating students, who are selected and nominated by academic institutions for training opportunities in the job market, in coordination with private sector companies.