Learning consultancy drives work placement scheme

In association with leading UAE corporations such as National Bank of Dubai and Al Tayer, knet is pioneering a National Development scheme for Emirati graduates, which helps them to find employment. The scheme is backed by the government organisation TANMIA.

The work placement schemes are part of knet's National Development Programme, which centres around tailor-made training for nationals - including women - in each of the seven emirates.

Khaja pointed out that these initiatives - which have seen more national students receive a combination of on-the-job experience and theory and values-based training - is needed to promote employment prospects for nationals.

He said: "We all have a responsibility to pave the way for nationalisation, and industry leaders need to drive the participation of nationals in the workforce.

"The UAE economy - and by extension, the size of the workforce - is growing. So, if we are to absorb these increasing numbers, we must invest in customised training and work placement initiatives to take the needs of both the employer and the job-seeker into account."

At present, just 2 per cent of UAE nationals are employed in the workforce, which Khaja attributes in part to the gap between formal education and employment.

He added: "This situation needs addressing immediately, as there will be another 150,000 national students joining the workforce by 2006 - adding 20 per cent to the total National labour force in the UAE.

"The public and private sectors need to invest in training to bridge the gap between formal education and employment to help absorb these increasing numbers of UAE nationals into the workforce."

knet is an independent training and management consultancy, and specialises in live speaker seminars and business conferences including IHR Arabia. It provides access to a network of international, regional and local organisations, such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, Institute of Administrative Management, and the Institute of Leadership and Management.