Experts Stress Bridging Gap Between Education Output and Labour Market Realities
In a significant gathering at the 5th edition of the “Career Village,” organized by the Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and KidZania, experts have underscored the critical need for a strategic alignment between educational outcomes and the demands of the current labour market. This alignment is essential to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to enter the workforce ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
The Career Village event, which took place from April 29 to May 1 at KidZania Doha in Aspire Park, attracted over 1,600 high school students from 91 public and private schools across Qatar. This event provided an innovative approach towards career exploration, enabling students to immerse themselves in various career paths through engaging booths, experiential learning zones, and interactive workshops. These activities were designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge essential for their future success.
Abdulla A. Al Mansoori, Director of QCDC, highlighted the significance of such initiatives, stating, “Career Village embodies our commitment to providing Qatar’s youth with the best and most comprehensive career development services through hands-on learning and practical experience.” He praised the collective efforts of all partners involved in making the event a platform for students to successfully transition into the workforce.
Fawzia Al Malki, Acting Director of the Department of Educational Guidance at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, expressed gratitude towards the partners for their successful collaboration. She emphasized the role of QCDC in preparing students for university admission, providing insights into required professions in the Qatari job market, and refining essential skills such as time management, effective communication, problem-solving, and organisation.
During a discussion titled: “Engaging High School Students With the Labor Market: A Pathway to Success,” industry experts expressed concerns over the existing gap between educational outputs and labour market needs. Participants in the panel included Hugo Pickford-Wardle, Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Startup SHERPAS; Jason Holt, CBE, Founder of Metaverse Learning; Ben Mason, Founder and CEO of My Global Bridge; and Dr. Tajalsir Kardaman, Career Guidance Expert from QCDC. The panel was moderated by Dr. Ger Graus, OBE.
Dr. Kardaman pointed out that Qatar has made substantial investments in bridging the gap between its education system and labour market, striving to maximize the return on investment from both domains. He thanked stakeholders for their support in creating a platform at QCDC that fosters collaborative efforts towards achieving sustainable development within the country.
Hugo Pickford-Wardle emphasized the importance of equipping young individuals with skills through practical experiences, such as starting a business, to address global challenges effectively. He highlighted the significance of teaching teenagers about entrepreneurship and financial literacy from an early age, suggesting that this not only benefits the economy by encouraging local spending but also empowers young people to embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys sooner.
The discussions and initiatives presented at the Career Village signify a concerted effort towards aligning the educational system with labour market demands, preparing Qatar’s youth for a successful future in the global workforce.
