Technical Education Landscape in the UAE: Qualifications & Opportunities

GLOBAL INNOVATIONS 2013 – DOHA, QATAR

Sajida H. Shroff, April 2013 Agenda

• Executive Summary • UAE Parameters for Technical Education • Current Status of TECH Education in the UAE • Enrollment Growth in Vocational/Technical/Career Track Education in the UAE • UAE’s Regulatory Landscape • Proposed and (sample) Private Qualifications Frameworks in the UAE • Current Career Track Training Options in the UAE • Public and Private Providers • Gaps and Potential Programmes • Next Steps • Potential Impact • Appendices: Sources

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 2 Executive Summary

The Technical (TECH) Landscape Study identifies the current status, prospects and challenges related to the expansion of TECH offerings in Dubai

• There is a need for expanded Vocational/Technical Educational Programmes in Dubai to serve the UAE and the Region • Programmes would primarily serve the Expatriate population as there is sufficient capacity for the National population • The key target market is high school graduates from the UAE and the Region who DON’T/CAN’T go to university • To mitigate the identified skills gap, the focus of VTECH Education in the UAE needs to be on ‘white collar’ “career track opportunities” • In order for these career track programmes to have credibility, a qualifications framework aligned with global best practices and enabling transferability of qualifications is necessary • Due to the negative perception surrounding Vocational/Technical Education in this region as well as current labor market practices (i.e. importing blue collar workers) – VTECH Education needs to be repositioned in the UAE

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 3 UAE’s parameters for Technical Education & Training (TECH) have to take into account regional nuances so they should be different from the global understanding; i.e. ‘white collar’ “career track” rather than ‘blue collar’

Global Definition of Vocational/Technical Education & Training (VTECH)1: • Training emphasizes skills and knowledge required for VTECH in the UAE: a particular job function (e.g. typing or data entry) or • Provided in-house for most blue a trade (e.g. carpentry or welding), excluding the collar trades in the UAE4 professions o Unskilled/semi-skilled workers are • Traditionally focused on ‘blue collar’ jobs hired for traditional trade based • Focus on practical applications of skills learned & occupations and trained on-site hands-on training • Negative perception is barrier to • Usually provided either at the high school level or in a entry for provider as well as postsecondary trade school • Qualifications range from certificate to diploma students • Individuals can be trained in part qualifications or 'skills sets‘ UAE parameters for VTECH: • Enable skill mobility by aligning qualifications with global best practices White collar focused Career Track2 Education & Training

1Sources: http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/854/Vocational-Training.html http://www.training.nsw.gov.au/vet/index.html http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/vocational-training.html#ixzz2Kjh7ZIBb 2Based on discussions with Industry Business Partners & ; training entities; Reports from Booz, ACTVET, & Deloitte; SBD analysis 4 Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Current Status Need diverse & innovative VTECH/Career Track Education programmes and options

Lacking VTECH/Career Track Lacking accredited Education federal UAE VTECH/Career Track qualifications Education Providers framework

Accredited offerings are in Higher Education

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 5 Vocational/Technical/Career Track Education has witnessed significant enrollment growth, aligned with a ramp up in capacity to meet the increased need

UAE Vocational & Technical Training Enrollment and Capacity (AY 2008 – 2010, ‘000)

+22% Key Takeaways 6,263 7,661 12,277 1200 . Vocational & technical 1421 1413 enrollment has increased as 3100 the UAE govt has prioritized 1706 1298 the acquisition of skills . Growth has been driven by: o Rising need for skilled

2693 4527 manpower in the economy 2434 o Increased priority given to Emiratization efforts 500 369 102 o Increased private sector role 376 600 0 1317 in vocational & technical 720 1750 education market 2008-2009 2009-2010 Capacity o Increase in population & ADNOC Tech Institute ADVETI focus on education Al Ain International Aviation Academy IAT Fatima College of Health Sciences Al Reef Logistic VEDC Note: 2009-2010 is the most recent year enrollment data is available for ALL listed institutions Sources: Institute Websites; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; ADEC; KHDA; SBD Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 6 Analysis UAE’s Regulatory Landscape

Regulatory Authority Directive Jurisdiction Ministry of Education . Public K-12 Schools UAE Ministry of Higher . Non-Free Zone Education & Scientific . Private Universities UAE Research . Federal Universities . Private Dubai K-12 Schools Knowledge & Human . Free Zone Universities (including Dubai (only) Development Authority private universities) . Private & Public Abu Dhabi K-12 Abu Dhabi Education Schools Abu Dhabi (only) Council . Private Universities National Qualifications . VTECH (proposed) UAE (proposed) Authority*

NO current UAE regulator for Vocational/Technical/Career Track Education

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 7 Since there is no federal training qualifications framework in the UAE, multiple private sector frameworks are used resulting in a lack of accountability and cohesion

Proposed Example of Current Framework

FEDERAL PRIVATE National Qualifications Authority Edexcel (BTEC) (Pearson) (est Aug 2010) (expected launch May 2013) 10 levels1 7 levels2 Mutual recognition with home countries UK based Pearson Company Align with: • Work-related qualifications • MOHESR • Accommodate the needs of employers and allow • Global vocational education awarding bodies progression to university • GCC Qualifications Frameworks • Practical, real-world approach to learning • European Union Qualifications Frameworks • Can be taken with/in place of GCSEs and A Levels Occupation levels aligned with Ministry of Labor work • Available across a wide range of industry sectors permits/job classifications Categories Edexcel is not recognized by Dubai • Academic vocational = 1year + Government Institutions so qualifications • Lifelong Learning & in service training = less than 1 hold no value in the public sector in Dubai year

1Discussion with NQA 2Discussion with Mark Andrews from Edexcel & http://www.edexcel.com/btec/New-to-btec/BTEC-Explained/Pages/basics.aspx

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 8 Vocational/Technical/Career Track Education is provided by a diverse range of public & private providers* in the UAE

Abu Dhabi Dubai Other Emirates ADVETI Institute of Applied Sharjah Institute of Technology Technology Al Ain International (merged with Abu Dhabi’s National Institute for ADVETI in Aug 2012) Aviation Academy Vocational Education (NIVE) Al Reef Institute of Logistics & Dubai Men’s/Women’s Applied Technology College (formerly Higher Colleges of Technology) Fatima College of Health Sciences Al Khawarizmi International Institute of Applied College Technology The Emirates Academy of VEDC Hospitality Management Emirates Aviation Academy Al Khawarizmi International College

Public Private

* Non-Exhaustive Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 9 Institute Profile: Abu Dhabi Vocational Education & Training Institute (ADVETI)

• Founded in 2007 in Abu Dhabi Summary • Public, not for profit • 1,143 students (2011 -2012)

Overview of Institute Key Characteristics • ADVETI has 7 entities • Enrollment Requirements: UAE General Secondary Institute Certificate (or equivalent), • ADVETI is an initiative of the Abu Dhabi 4.5 IELTS (Diploma or Higher Diploma)/5.0 Government & is under the management (Bachelor) of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical & • Tuition Fee: AED 0 Vocational Education & Training (ACTVET) • Certifications offered: Diploma, Higher Diploma

Eng. Tech. – Library & HR Logistics & Fashion Electrical IT Networking Information Management Management Design Maintenance Sciences

Environ. Eng. Tech. – Interior IT Multimedia Project Health & Industrial Programmes Mechanical Design & Design Management Safety Mechatronics Offered Maintenance Decoration Management

Travel & Technical Industrial Technical Event Graphic Tourism Laboratory Mechanics Drawing Management Design Management Analytics

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 10 Institute Profile: ACTVET - Sharjah Institute of Technology

• Founded in 2003 Summary • Public, not for profit • ??? students (n/a as merged with ACTVET)

Overview of Institute Key Characteristics • Opened under the instruction of H.H. Dr. Enrollment Requirements: completion of Grade 9; satisfactory Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi, performance in the institute admission test and interview; member of the Supreme Council and Ruler Higher National Diploma; completion of National Diploma or of Sharjah equivalent qualifications ( Grade 12); working currently; • Programmes are specifically designed to relevant work experience; satisfactory performance in the provide the students with the knowledge institute admission test and in an interview and practical skills required to satisfy the • Tuition Fee: AED n/a needs of the UAE job market. • Certifications offered: Certificate & Diploma

Art & Design Business Travel & Tourism Civil Engineering Telecommunication

Programmes Offered Information Health & Social Automotive Electrical & Mechanical Technology Care Engineering Electronics Engineering

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 11 Institute Profile: Institute of Applied Technology (IAT)

• Founded in 2005 in Abu Dhabi Summary • Public, not for profit • 2,693 students (2009-2010)

Overview of Institute Key Characteristics • IAT offers Career-Based Technical Education • Enrollment Requirements: UAE or GCC National, (CTE) in English at secondary & tertiary levels 16 years +, Interview & Entry Exam • Headquarters are in Abu Dhabi with 6 other • Tuition Fee: AED 0 campuses: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Ras Al • Certifications offered: Secondary Certification in Khaima, & Fujairah Applied Technology, IAT Professional Diploma • IAT encompasses higher learning start-ups in aviation, logistics & nursing

Engineering Science - Health Science & Applied Engineering - Energy Technology Electrical

Programmes Offered Information & Applied Engineering - Engineering Science - Communication Mechanical General Technology

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 12 Institute Profile: National Institute for Vocational Education

• Founded in 2006 in Dubai Summary • Public, not for profit • N/A

Overview of Institute • NIVE’s vocational & technical education Key Characteristics framework consists of 5 levels of • Enrollment Requirements: 12 years of institute, competencies and 6 skills critical to 17 years +, Interview, Entry Assessment performing well in commerce & industry: • Tuition Fee: AED 0 (employer sponsorships) Communication, Information • Certifications offered: Foundation Diplomas, First Communication, Technology, Application of Diplomas, National Diplomas, Higher National Numbers, Working with Others, Improving Diplomas, Professional Courses & Diplomas Own Learning and Problem Solving

Occupational Finance & Health & Business IT Practioners Accounting Safety

Jewelry Banking & Skills for the Programmes Business Computing Finance Workplace Offered Development

Human Bridge to Public Marketing Resources Work Relations

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; KHDA; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 13 Institute Profile: Vocational Education Development Centre (VEDC)

• Founded in 2006 in Abu Dhabi Summary • Public, not for profit • 1,406 students (2010-2011)

Overview of Institute • VEDC is a boarding institute that caters to Key Characteristics Emiratis interested in vocational & technical • Enrollment Requirements: UAE National, studies completed 6th Grade, between 14-23 years old • VEDC offers alternative learning pathways which • Tuition Fee: AED 0 focus on applied learning methods • Certifications offered: Foundation Certificates, • Methods are combined with personal Diplomas development programmes to educate students in discipline, work ethics & employability skills

Leadership & Military Mechanical/Electrical Security Operations Training Maintenance

Programmes Offered

Automotive Foundational Business Technology Programmes

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 14 Institute Profile: Al Khawarizmi International College

• Founded in 1985 in Abu Dhabi Summary • Private, for profit • 1,687 students (2011 -2012)

Overview of Institute Key Characteristics • Al Khawarizmi International College aims to • Enrollment Requirements: UAE General provide quality Information Technology diploma Secondary Certificate (or equivalent), Interview, programmes, at the higher education level 500 TOEFL or 5.0 IELTS resulting in competent graduate IT technicians • Tuition Fee: AED 19,800 – 30,000 • Al Khawarizmi International College also • Certifications offered: Foundation Certificates, provides short courses in IT for end-users & IT Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees professionals

Project Computerized Executive Network Adobe General IT Management Accounting Secretarial & Security Professional Operator Computing

Computer Int’l Oracle Systems Computer CISCO Programmes AutoCAD CIW Offered Certification Maint. Driving Certification Technician License (ICDL)

Office Admin Certified Info Tech Infra 3D Film Microsoft Red Hat & Computing Accounting Library Animation Certification Certified Skills Technician Engineers

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 15 Institute Profile: Emirates Aviation College

• Founded in 1991 in Dubai Summary • Semi-Private, for profit • 1,500 students (2011 -2012)

Overview of Institute • Emirates Aviation College offers an extensive range of Key Characteristics educational opportunities designed to provide students • Enrollment Requirements: completed year with the best aviation related specializations that 10, above 15 years old service both the technical and management sides of the • Tuition Fee: AED 30,000 – 60,000 aviation industry • Certifications offered: Diploma, Certificate, • The College has a wide range of experienced faculty Bachelors Degrees members in both academic education and industry to • Vocational Accreditation: Edexcel blend the real world into a learning situation

Engineering Electronics Business Dispatch Foundation Engineering Studies Training

Avionics Tourism Flight Programme Aerospace s Offered Engineering Studies Planning

Aircraft Avionics Flight Pilot Training Maintenance Operation Dispatcher

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 16 Institute Profile: Higher Colleges of Technology

• Founded in 1988 Summary • Public, not for profit • 18,000 students (2011 -2012)

Overview of Institute Key Characteristics • Founded by Federal Decree Enrollment Requirements: UAE Nationals, • Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) is General School Certificate (min 70%), Common the largest higher educational Educational Proficiency Assessment (CEPA) institution in the UAE, having a well- (score of 150 on CEPA-English) respected reputation for innovative • Tuition Fee: AED 0 learning • Certifications offered: Bachelors Degrees

Applied Communications

Education General Education

Programmes Business Offered

Engineering Computer & Health Sciences Technology Information Sciences

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 17 Institute Profile: The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management

• Founded in 2001 Summary • Semi-Private, for profit • 500 students (2011 -2012)

Overview of Institute Key Characteristics • Specializes in providing business management degrees Enrollment Requirements: Completion of High with a hospitality focus and aims to become the world's School, employer recommendation leading hospitality management school • Tuition Fee: AED 5,000+ • Professional training & development provides the • Certifications offered: Certificates (& opportunity to develop, step by step, through short Bachelors Degrees) courses Offer bespoke programmes for multiple • Focus on enhancing ability to effectively communicate with industries; e.g. finance guests/clients and deliver excellent service consistently

Kitchen & Leadership & Financial Courses Restaurant Management Programmes

Rooms Division Programmes Customer Service Human Resources Programmes Offered

Wine & Spirits Administration Sales & Marketing Education

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 Sources: Institute Website; Commission for Academic Accreditation; Booz & Company Report; SBD Analysis 18 Despite the recent expansion of vocational/technical/career track programmes in the UAE, based on recent studies, supply gaps still remain

Advertising Digital Content Hardware Components Multimedia Production Software Development

Applied Early Childhood Education Hospitality Music Production Sports Management Engineering Apprenticeship Emergency Management HR Management Network Security Support Services

Architecture Energy Risk Engineering Information Tech Infra Nursing Technical Drawing Library Athletic Therapy End-User Equipment Integration Services Nursing Support Terrestrial Broadcasting Functions Automotive Event Management IT Equipment OTT Broadcasting Tool and Die Making Technology Aviation Fashion Design Logistics & Management Paralegal Travel & Tourism Management Business Facilities Management Luxury Brand Management Performing Arts TV/Film Production (Retail) Child & Youth Financial Risk Management Managed Services Plumbing Visual Arts Worker Cloud Computing Fitness Leadership Mechanical/Electrical Print Media Wireline Service Maintenance Provision Customer Psych & Food & Beverage Medical Technicians Satellite Broadcasting Wireless Network Buying Behavior Management Equipment Clinical Data Graphic Design Music Security Operations Wireless Service Management Provision

Available in UAE Not Available in UAE Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 19 Sources: Institute websites; Booz Report; SBD Analysis; Deloitte & TECOM Workforce Study; http://vocational-careers.toptenreviews.com/ DIAC & Deloitte’s Workforce Planning Study also highlighted “career track” VTECH skill gaps in 11 industries particularly the Legal, Tourism and Hospitality, Healthcare, Consulting and IT industries

Industries students are planning Difficulty to find a job** Difficulty in hiring*** to work in* Corporates (n = 235) Top 5 industries students in GCC Average of recent graduate (n=851) Very or somewhat difficult to hire at planning to work in (n=254) Difficulty on a scale of 1-5 junior level (% respondents)

Finance and Legal 33% 3.94 Banking, financial… 15% Accounting 28% Economics 3.82 IT 15% Healthcare 26% Management and 3.75 Healthcare 14% Business Consulting &… 17%

Education 11% Computer Science 3.74 IT 15%

Energy and Resources 6% Social Science 3.73 Education 14% Media & Media 14% 3.61 Communications Top 5 industries students in Retail 12% Sciences 3.61 Sub-continent planning to work in Telecom 10% (n=196) Law 3.52 Banking, financial… 20% Construction &… 7% Tourism and 3.52 IT 19% Hospitality Bank & Finance 5% Arts, languages and 3.48 Healthcare 9% Literature Energy & Resources 5%

Education 8% Medical and Health 3.32 Transportation &… 5% Energy and Resources 8% 3 3.5 4 0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

• Based on surveys conducted across UAE, KSA, Oman, Qatar Source: TECOM/Dubai International Academic City & Deloitte Workforce ** Based on interviews conducted across the GCC, Levant, Africa, Central Asia, Sub-continent and Asia ***Based on interviews conducted with corporates across UAE, KSA, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, India, Pakistan, Morocco Planning Study, March 2013 Source: YOUGOV research 2012, Deloitte Analysis Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 20 Next Steps

Target Key Programme Providers to Enable Diverse Offerings/ Accreditation Frameworks Ensure Quality Assurance -*ITT (USA) -*Symbosis (India) Ensure Quality -*TVET (UK) Assurance -Highlight VTECH employability options & successes -Initiate targeted School & -Support NQA Framework & Media Outreach Roll out -Partner with employers to -Liaise with MOHE & KHDA to gain their commitment to facilitate recognition of VTECH/Career Track private QA frameworks under Education & Employment of Decree 21 VTECH programme graduates -Engage employers in discussions around graduate employability & VTECH programme enhancement

1Suggestions of potential providers; non-exhaustive Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 21 Potential Impact

National Career Track Education Qualifications Framework in the UAE – aligned with global frameworks to enable easy transition/transfer/continuing ed

Balanced & Skilled Workforce to enable realization of UAE Vision

Multiple Accredited Diverse Programme Providers for National Options and Expat Populations

22 Thank you

Sajida H. Shroff [email protected]

23 Appendices

• Sources

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 24 Sources: Reports

• A College Degree Sorts Job Applicants, but Employers Wish It Meant More, Chronicle of Higher Education (2013) • Better Skills, Better Jobs, Better Lives, OECD (2012) • Graduate Employability in the MENA Region, British Council (2013) • UAE Vocational Education Overview, Booz & Company (2012) • Workforce Planning Study, Deloitte & DIAC (2012)

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 25 Sources: Interviews

Institution/Company ADVETI Assent (Steel) Booz Caparol LLC City & Guilds Deloitte EdExcel EdExcel Emirates Academy of Hospitality Mgmt Emirates Aviation College Emirates Aviation College Emirates Driving Company GEMS Education Solutions Higher Colleges of Technology Jumeirah KHDA McKinsey National Qualifications Authority NIVE PWC

Technical Education Landscape in the UAE- updated 04Apr13 26