LSC 2103 Mini report practice 1

Youths puts skills ahead of money

In a live voting session, 30 per cent of participants said the opportunity for growth and promotion was the most important factor when considering a job offer; 20 per cent said learning new skills was the top factor; while 18 per cent said work environment and culture was the main factor. Only 10 per cent said they would consider salary first. A mere 2 per cent said working hours were the most important criterion. Everyone is always saying that Emiratis only consider working hours and salary. INJAZ UAE is an organization that aims to build bridges between schools and colleges and the private sector. Employers say they can't hire Emiratis because they can't give them the salaries and working hours they demand. Hopefully this will prove them wrong.  Voting results also showed that students believed working in the private sector would present more demands than working for the government. On the other hand, private sector employers mistakenly believe that Emirati youth place more emphasis on salary, benefits and working hours. In order to realize Emiratisation targets, awareness about private sector opportunities needs to be enhanced among the youth.

However, competition for government jobs will intensify as demand outpaces supply, and as the government moves into supporting less traditional industries such as media and hospitality as the economy matures.  Job fairs, career guidance and workshops with corporate guests are ways that universities can help create new perceptions about working in the private sector. To do its bit, the business world can offer internships and trainee programmers to young graduates. The survey, which was conducted in the capital as part of an Emirati youth forum, revealed that 30 per cent of the university students and fresh graduates polled place utmost importance on growth and promotion opportunities when selecting a job. Unfortunately, Emirati youth are unaware of development opportunities in private sector companies. When choosing between public and private sector positions, the deciding factors for Emirati youth tend to be growth and promotion opportunities, work environment and skill development. The private sector work environment does not always provide sufficient motivation for Emirati youth.