Dubai: Vocational and technical programme providers in the UAE say convincing parents and students who look down on vocational education in favour of universities, is challenging.
The providers of these programmes made the statement at the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (Getex), an event that brings universities, vocational training providers and students under one roof.
“Most people look at vocational training and education at a lower level. We are seeing an improvement but more awareness is needed because as the UAE progresses and the Expo 2020 approaches, there are many fields that are needed to develop the country,” said Tareq Al Banawy, Manager of Student Services at the National Institute for Vocational Education (NIVE).
There are 800 training centres in Dubai that offer vocational and technical training.
Al Banawy said many students and parents are starting to see how important vocational education is as a career path but the majority is still going toward the academic path.
Al Banawy said many prefer getting a university degree because it guarantees them a better salary.
“It is most beneficial to those who stopped their education at grade 12 and want to improve their career and get promoted.”
Abdullah Rabie Al Humoodi, manager of air traffic control at Global Aerospace Logistics in Abu Dhabi said trying to convince parents to choose the scholarship they are offering in the aviation sector (only for Emiratis) over a university degree is difficult. “There is a lack of Emiratis in the aviation sector in fields like air traffic control, flight planning, metrology and aerodromes. There is a difficulty in convincing students to choose such a field instead of going for a typical university degree.”
Al Humoodi said however that when the programme is explained to parents and students and they understand why it is important to the country and the job prospects available, they are convinced.”
To help make these more appealing, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) established the Qualifications and Awards in Dubai (QAD) earlier this week to give accreditation to technical and vocational centres said Dr Naji Al Mahdi, chief of qualifications and awards at KHDA.
“There is a body that recognises academic programmes, but people in vocational programmes did not find anyone to accredit their degrees. The QAD will solve this problem. So far two of the biggest vocation education providers have been approved and there are 80 to 90 that are waiting to be processed.”
The National Institute for Vocational Education is one of the approved centres by QAD.
Al Hamoodi also said there will be quality assurance where each vocational and technical training and education provider will be graded and given stars.
“There will be a quality assurance system and the results of this quality evaluation will be made public.”
Indian student, Moiz Quadri, 17, said he wants to join a hotel management vocational programme over earning a university degree.
“My father owns two restaurants, so I want to join the family business. It is also my passion and I don’t mind not getting a university degree because I have a guaranteed job with my father.”
