UAE News Agency (WAM), Wednesday 2 Jun 2010
Universities And Private Sector Must Collaborate To Boost Emirati Workforce
Abu Dhabi, WAM:
Strong collaboration and the establishment of a link between local universities
and private companies are needed in order to address certain issues that hinder
UAE nationals from working in the private sector.
These recommendations were reached following the presentations made by Fadi Bin
Haider Al Attas, Recruitment Manager and Chris Jolliffe, Assessment Manager of
Summit Career Management Services, a private Careers Guidance and Placement
Service provider, at a practical workshop conducted in conjunction with the
Emiratisation Forum held at the Fairmont's Bab Al Bahar hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Organized by Abu Dhabi University (ADU) and hosted by Aim Events - the
conference and events division of ADU - the workshop entitled ‘Discovering
Emirati Talent' has identified a lack of awareness on different opportunities
within the private sector as well as stereotyping of UAE nationals by private
companies as issues that hamper Emiratisation.
"Emirati job seekers have no idea about the vast careers that await them in
private organizations," said Al Attas. "In the same way, employers should stop
stereotyping and change their mindset about UAE nationals.
"We need to educate employers and keep them informed about what Emiratis can
contribute in these companies," he added.
Delegates at the workshop came up with different approaches to tackle the issues
raised, and amongst them were determining what career Emirati students want to
pursue in the future, customizing school curriculums to include programs from
private companies, and promoting career guidance within the high school level.
Workshop participants also highlighted the need for the private sector to start
believing in the capabilities of Emiratis. They mentioned that employers should
not make processes difficult when hiring Emiratis, and should actually be
allowed to develop themselves within the workplace.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bob Nelson, master motivator and bestselling author, tackled
‘Building a Team Culture' in a separate workshop. In this workshop, Dr. Nelson
focused on recognition as a great tool to retain Emiratis in a workplace as he
highlighted the importance of creating a field of engagement and tapping into
people's interests and desires to form a solid foundation within the company.
"We need to find out strengths rather than weaknesses and build on these. We
can't force performance but we can get behind them, encourage them and sustain
their talent. We have to make recognition a part of the work culture," said Dr
Nelson.
WAM/TF