The UAE’s federal higher education institution has introduced apprenticeships to combine classroom learning with practical work experience.
The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) aims to overhaul the approach to new graduate employment through “Shaping the Future”, its strategy transforming the applied education model.
This represents a shift towards integrating more work-based opportunities alongside theoretical study. Students will gain real-world skills in their fields of study through apprenticeships conducted with industry partners.
“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,” HCT President Dr Faisal Alayyan said adding that the strategy is aligned with the UAE’s National Future Foresight through academic and industry collaboration.
The apprenticeships programme launched in September in conjunction with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It will be included across all HCT programmes, allowing students to combine on-campus and workplace learning.
Dr Alayyan noted the success relies on partner links “to bridge the gap between education and employment.” This is shown through 11 new agreements providing over 4,000 jobs and 4,000 training places.
Students have completed 4,679 apprenticeships so far in the first two semesters.
“Our focus is on bridging academic rigor with real-world applications, ensuring our students are not only well-versed theoretically but are also agile and adaptive in practical settings,” Chief Academic Officer Dr Luc Verburgh added.
As a result, HCT aims for a 90 percent plus graduate employment rate through strengthening professional training and employer links. This will greatly enhance practical and on-the-job knowledge, said Dr Verburgh.
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