A new form of learning aims to prepare students for the realities of the workplace.
When students graduate from high school, many of them assume that there are only two options available: seek higher education, or start working. However, many don't realize that other equitable opportunities exist that could work as a bridge between the classroom and the corporate world. One of these options is vocational education.
What is education for employability?
'Vocational education' is still a new term for most students and their parents in the UAE. When people hear 'education for employability' it rarely rings a bell — that's why awareness must be created to inform students about this comparable alternative. So that is what the Education for Careers exhibition held at the Dubai Men's College aimed to do — update students' knowledge on their options after high school or college. The exhibition was held as part of a series of events hosted by the British Council which focused on this new form of learning. Various institutes based in the UK and the UAE attended the event, presenting students with a variety of field options ranging from hospitality to engineering.
So what is vocational education? Simply stated, it is a method of practical learning that focuses on the skills needed in the workplace. Depending on what field a student would like to pursue, he or she would enter a programme that teaches them the necessary skills and knowledge required by that specific industry.
What is the criteria?
The qualification requirements range between programmes — however, if you're concerned about your English language proficiency there's no need to worry. Most colleges offer a six-month to one-year English language course prior to commencing the chosen programme. Certain courses are also offered to improve other basic skills such as computer literacy.
Students may choose to enter these programmes straight after high school or as a bridge between the classroom and the working world after university. Either way, these courses work to make the transition between academic learning and practical application go as smoothly as possible.
What are the benefits?
As stated before, vocational education focuses on industry needs. So certification from one of these programmes guarantees that you're leaving the course with the necessary skills sought in the industry.
"Many graduates leave with a degree but not with the skills employers are looking for," said Alison Devine, deputy director of the British Council in the UAE. "Many students are not aware of the benefits available to them through these programmes."
Devine added that many of these vocational colleges have excellent links with employers, so students would have a greater chance of pursuing their field of interest.
"Many students go into the field of management, where opportunities are limited," Devine said. "So then we lose many of them travelling abroad in search of those opportunities. By going through vocational training, graduates are more likely to find a profession in a desired industry because they have the skills the employers are looking for. From there they can begin climbing the hierarchy."
A different option
As with many other alternatives outside higher education, vocational education has also retained its stigma as a second-rate option. However, representatives asserted that it not a second option, it is a different option.
"Sometimes graduates are dropped into a company without the skills or knowledge they need to succeed," said Nicky Jeffrey, project development manager from the City College Brighton and Hove. "This creates frustration between the employee and employer. In many ways these vocational programmes help make the process much easier. It's better for the individual, for the economy, for the employer, and for the industry as a whole."
- Forinformation visit: www.educationuk.org or www.qca.org
What do students think?
While students agreed that vocational education would work as an exceptional barrier-breaker between the worlds of academia and corporations, they said they would not pursue it as a substitute for higher education.
Most students said that their education provides them with the basic skills they need when starting work. Esmail Ahli, business student at Dubai Men's College, said he gets a good grasp of what employers are looking for through his academic curriculum."Throughout our courses, we learn how to communicate, how to be a team player and how to manage our time – all skills looked for regardless of work choice," he said.
Nevertheless, students said that taking courses as part of a vocational programme would prepare them for the specifics sought for in a particular field. "These programmes could train us for developing our skills to match the needs of our chosen careers," said Khalifa Al Matrooshi, business student at DMC. "However, while it would certainly be a valuable addition, I don't think it could replace the value of a degree."
By Manal Ismail