Emirati university students can now access a new digital platform for “high-quality practical training opportunities” in the UAE job market, announced the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Thursday.
The National Practical Training Platform, part of the Nafis (Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council) initiative, enables both government and private sectors to offer available training positions.
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MoHRE highlighted that the platform improves the blend of theory and practice in students’ educational journeys by creating a national database to help students find relevant training opportunities.
“The National Practical Training Platform is the first national initiative to redefine practical training routes for higher education students,” stated MoHRE Minister Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, who is also the acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
“This initiative delivers a thorough training program and generates clear data to refine evaluation processes and develop additional training and academic programs, supporting Emiratisation in the private sector, a crucial strategic partner in this venture,” Dr. Al Awar added.
Nafis Secretary-General Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei noted, “The program also benefits companies by connecting them with skilled Emirati professionals, emphasizing those with the necessary practical and professional skills.”
Al Mazrouei affirmed the UAE’s business landscape will continuously access national talent.
Various universities and training entities have scheduled orientation and awareness workshops. Registration and participation details are available on the Nafis website.
Meanwhile, Khalil Khoori, MoHRE’s Undersecretary of Labour Market and Emiratisation Operations, emphasized the platform’s role in helping higher education students refine their skills and bolster their academic success. This enhances their competitiveness and improves their job market prospects, he explained, noting that the platform prepares them to meet employment demands across all economic sectors while the Ministry pledges to support the platform to the highest standards, ensuring seamless collaboration among all partners.
Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (Nafis), stated that offering practical training opportunities to higher education students complements the Council’s new strategy, adding significant value to the Nafis platform by nurturing national talent for the job market.
“This initiative aligns with the Council’s strategy and future directives, approved by the Board of Directors, focusing on meaningful training that aligns with labor market needs and boosts Emirati competitiveness,” he added.
“Companies also gain from the program by connecting swiftly with qualified Emirati professionals, honing in on those meeting their skill requirements,” Al Mazrouei explained. “This supports the UAE’s business framework and ensures a steady stream of national talent, fulfilling our leadership’s vision of an integrated system for training, development, recruitment, and empowerment, crucial for sustaining national talent in a rapidly evolving labor market.”
Similarly, Shamma Al Muhairi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Higher Education Operations at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, explained that the platform fosters strategic partnerships between higher education institutes and various economic sectors to design beneficial training programs that match students’ specializations and labor market demands.
“All training programs and opportunities will adhere to quality standards set by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as per the Ministerial Resolution on practical training,” she confirmed. “This ensures training experiences are comprehensive and effectively aid students in developing their practical skills.”
Linking the platform with Nafis creates a unified national database, easing students’ access to appropriate training opportunities. It empowers higher education institutes, government, and private entities in shaping generations of skilled national talent, contributing to the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan.
“The platform is a strategic move towards improving the higher education ecosystem and establishing a cohesive practical training environment centered on governance and transparency,” the minister noted. “It aligns all stakeholders, enabling students to benefit from practical training that prepares them for future challenges.”
