Firms will recruit school leavers over university graduates, Gems boss predicts

A prominent figure in the UAE education sector has predicted that companies will begin hiring school leavers over university graduates, according to a report by The National. Dino Varkey, the chief executive of Gems Education, stated that those with a diverse set of skills will be best placed to thrive in the changing job market.

Varkey emphasized the importance of schools exposing students to a broad curriculum and igniting their curiosity to succeed in a fast-changing world. He believes that the next step in recruitment will be targeting high school students directly, rather than just university graduates, as the world's leading companies currently do.

Despite the challenges faced due to the Iran war, Varkey remains optimistic about the future of education in the UAE. He highlighted that the education sector recorded record-breaking academic results last year, despite the conflict. Schools have resumed in-person learning after a period of remote learning due to the pandemic, with strict safety measures in place.

Varkey praised the adaptability of Gems teachers during the disruptions caused by the Iran war, noting that they maintained a calm and capable approach to ensure learning continued. The education group has also increased its capacity to accommodate more students, with plans to expand further over the next three years.